From Lab to Life: Mastering Research Communication at INGENIUM’s Senior Winter School

The University of Oviedo will welcome Master’s and PhD students from across Europe this February for the INGENIUM Senior Winter School 2025. Set to run from 17th to 21st February, this five-day programme invites participants to hone their skills in research communication, focusing on creativity and the effective dissemination of scientific ideas.

This edition of the Senior Winter School, held under the theme Creativity and Communication in Research, emphasises the need for accessible, impactful science communication, especially in today’s misinformation-prone world. Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to refine their abilities to convey complex concepts clearly to non-expert audiences, with the goal of maximising the societal impact of their research.

A Unique Opportunity to Experience Oviedo’s Culture

Nestled in the heart of Asturias, Oviedo provides an inspiring backdrop for the week-long Senior Winter School. Known for its lush landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage, the city offers participants a unique environment to learn, share, and connect. Activities are tailored to immerse students and mentors in both the academic and local culture, encouraging networking with peers and exploring the region’s traditional charms.

Programme Highlights

The Winter School will consist of both on-site and virtual components. Participants will attend masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions on topics such as science dissemination and outreach, crafting effective communication strategies, and tackling scientific misinformation. They will work on real-world communication projects, with particular emphasis on presenting complex topics—such as climate change and health—clearly and responsibly.

To foster collaboration, students will work in small, multidisciplinary teams, guided by mentors from the 10 universities within the INGENIUM alliance.

The programme includes two preparatory virtual sessions in January and February, allowing participants to familiarise themselves with the objectives and themes of the Winter School. A final virtual session will wrap up the programme, offering participants a chance to reflect on their experiences and share insights gained throughout the week.

Participants who complete the Senior Winter School will earn 3 ECTS credit points, recognising the skills they have acquired in scientific communication.

How to apply?

The call is open to Master’s and PhD students from all partner universities in the INGENIUM alliance, with each institution selecting up to eight participants. All selected participants must confirm their places by 15th December.

This Senior Winter School promises to be a significant step in bridging the gap between academia and society by empowering young researchers with the tools to communicate their work effectively. For more information and to apply, please consult the call on your university’s official website.

Contact details of each partner university can be found here.

More information about the Senior Winter School can be found here.