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Courses

Science to Society: Essential Communication Skills for Academic Staff

The creation of this course is justified by the growing need for faculty to communicate scientific knowledge clearly, responsibly, and effectively, both within the university and to society at large. In a context of information overload, scientific controversy and rapid digital transformation, universities must ensure that their teachers and researchers are equipped with the necessary skills to explain complex evidence in an accessible way, interact with diverse audiences and contribute to informed public dialogue.
This course is closely aligned with the strategic objectives of the University of Porto in several dimensions. It supports the improvement of the quality and impact of research by improving the way results are communicated, thereby strengthening knowledge transfer, innovation and the visibility of the University of Porto's scientific output at national and international level. It also contributes to pedagogical excellence by providing staff with evidence-based communication strategies that can be directly integrated into teaching, supervision and student engagement. Furthermore, by strengthening the capacity of academic staff to participate in public debates, interact with the media and use digital communication tools, the course promotes U.Porto's mission of social responsibility, openness and active engagement with citizens and external stakeholders.
In this way, the course not only fills a specific skills gap, but also reinforces the University of Porto's position as a research-intensive, internationally oriented and socially committed university.

Partner Institutions:

  • University of Palermo
  • University of Münster
  • University of Twente

Training activity included in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) .


Objectives

The training course offers an integrated approach to the different forms of dialogue established between science and society, with a special focus on the context of higher education and research. It was designed as an introduction to the key concepts, practices and challenges of science communication for academic staff (teachers and researchers), helping participants to critically reflect on their role as communicators and strengthen their professional practice.

The general objectives of the programme are:

  • To promote a critical understanding of the strategic role of science communication in contemporary societies, both within and outside universities.
  • To provide theoretical and methodological tools for understanding and questioning the social, professional, ethical and deontological dynamics involved in science communication, enabling responsible, effective and reflective practice.
  • To develop the ability to understand and conceive the different forms, contexts and practices of science communication, from formal academic environments to public engagement activities.
  • To promote academic and professional skills that encourage critical reading, informed reflection and analysis of communication processes and phenomena in science and health.

Throughout the programme, participants are expected to acquire and strengthen skills related to:

  • The characteristics and specificities of science writing and clear communication of evidence.
  • The structure and techniques of effective oral communication, including verbal, non-verbal, facial and body language, in teaching, conferences and public events.
  • Ethical and legal issues in science communication, including integrity, authorship, copyright and responsible use of data.
  • Various modes of science communication in the digital age, including online platforms, social media, podcasts, blogs, and other emerging formats.

 


Information

Target audience: The programme is aimed at staff from universities that have signed an Erasmus+ agreement. It is open to lecturers, researchers and similar professionals who hold a first, second or third cycle university degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) and wish to strengthen their skills in science communication and public engagement.

Training dates:

  • 29 and 30 June – online component
  • 6 to 10 July – in-person component (Porto)

Numbers clausus:
Minimum number :
15 (10 from non-Portuguese partner universities)
Number of places : 50

Mode of operation: Daytime, b-learning.

Language of instruction: English

Tuition fees: Not applicable

School insurance: ¤2

Schedule: The training programme uses a blended format combining 6 hours of synchronous online sessions (two mornings of 3 hours each) with 22 hours of face-to-face training over five consecutive days.

Link: 2025/2026 Programme - soon
 

Schedule:

Application Period:

19 January to 10 March 2026

Provisional Results:

16 March 2026

Hearing of Interested Parties:

(17 March to 30 March 2026)

Final Results:

2 April 2026

Appeal Submission by Applicants:

6 April to 24 April 2026

Publication of Appeal Decisions:

27 April 2026

Registration and Enrollment:

28 April to 30 April 2026

Publication of Remaining Vacancies for the Next Phase (if applicable):

4 May 2026


Specific Admission Requirements:

 In accordance with the requirements of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), a minimum of 10 participants must come from non-Portuguese partner universities.

The training programme will be delivered entirely in English; therefore, written and oral proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement for admission, ensuring full participation and effective interaction in an international and intercultural environment.

Selection and ranking criteria:

If the number of eligible candidates exceeds the number of places available, selection will be based on the following scoring system:

  • Doctorates – 15 points
  • Master's degrees – 10 points
  • Bachelor's degree holders – 5 points

In addition, candidates affiliated with one of the following institutions will receive an extra bonus of 5 points:

  • University of Porto
  • University of Palermo
  • University of Münster
  • University of Twente

In the event of a tie after applying the above criteria, the highest final grade of the academic degree used for the application will be used as a tiebreaker.

 

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION (DATES AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS):

  • Copy of an identification document (identity card/citizen card/passport);
  • Certificate of completion of the last academic degree obtained.

 

Remarks: Registration for this training course will be carried out through the International Relations Service of the University of Porto Rectorate ( international@reit.up.pt ).


Please consult the U.Porto Personal Data Protection Policy for more information.


Contacts

For information regarding applications or registrations, please contact:

Postgraduate and Continuing Education Unit

Email: posgrad@icbas.up.pt
Phone: 220428006


Opening Hours:

Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

General information

Teacher Responsible: Paula Cristina Silva
Acronym: CSCECA
Type of course/cycle of study: Open Training Course
Start: 2025/2026
Duration: 28 Hour

Study Plan

Certificates

  • Science to Society: Essential Communication Skills for Academic Staff ( Courses Units)

Predominant Scientific Areas

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