Completion of the first edition of postgraduate studies "Scientific Communication and Popularization of Science"
Over 20 people have completed the first in Poland postgraduate studies in science communication and science popularization. Lecturers and participants share their impressions and experiences from two semesters of meetings, and the Silesian University of Technology has launched a call for the next edition, which will be implemented in the academic year 2025/2026.
Since October 2024, participants of postgraduate studies in scientific communication and popularization of science met in classes online or on-site in Gliwice. They were educated, among others, in the field of modern forms of communication in the popularization of science, methods of testing the effectiveness of popular science communication, legal protection of science communicators, creation of engaging content. Most of the classes were in the form of a workshop, and their participants in practice checked their skills, performing tasks such as three-minute presentations, scientific stand-ups, popular science articles, projects of screenings and workshops, scripts of podcasts or video blogs.
– These are the first studies of this type, which give the opportunity to obtain a certificate of a certified communicator and science populariser. The lecturers are teachers and trainers from all over Poland. I expect that also in the next editions we will have a large variety of people involved in the dissemination of knowledge at different levels – from people who try to disseminate knowledge and their research, e.g. among preschoolers, to people who want to cooperate more intensively and effectively with the media – says Anna Korzekwa-Józefowicz, communication expert at the National Science Centre, lecturer in media cooperation.
– We live in a time of disinformation, when we are more often governed by emotions than facts, so proper communication of science so that it is accessible, interesting and interesting is quite difficult, but it can be learned – emphasizes Jarosław Juszkiewicz, journalist of Radio 357, who in the academic year 2024/2025 taught classes devoted to modern techniques of popular science communication.
Postgraduate studies in scientific communication and popularization of science initiated by Prof. Dr Hab Aleksandra Ziembińska-Buczyńska, director of the Science Popularization Centre at the Silesian University of Technology, was the first such course of study in Poland. As two semesters of classes showed, the course responded both to the needs of people who needed new tools and forms to disseminate knowledge, as well as people who were looking for methods involving children and young people in schools or cultural or scientific centres. In addition, it was an opportunity to revise the strategy of scientific communication in units, as well as to develop and implement new ideas and plans taking into account the involvement of scientists and cooperation with the socio-economic environment, including representatives of the media and business.
– Scientific communication and popularization of science are nowadays a necessity in scientific and didactic life. Launching these postgraduate studies is not only about creating a platform for mutual learning, exchange of experiences, but above all creating new interesting collaborations and mutual inspiration for action – says Aleksandra Ziembinska-Buczyńska.
The participants of the postgraduate studies “Scientific Communication and Popularization of Science” were supported by lecturers with many years of experience in conducting popular science activities, in cooperation with the media and in public relations, in journalism, creating radio and television content. The lecturers in the academic year 2024/2025 included: Aleksandra Ziembińska-Buczyńska, Dariusz Aksamit, Iwona Flanczewska-Rogalska, Katarzyna Głuch-Juszkiewicz, Mariusz Gogól, Anna Korzekwa-Józefowicz, Tomasz Książczyk, Jarosław Juszkiewicz, Natalia Osica, Jan Stradowski. More information about the lecturers can be found here: webpage.
– Scientific communication and popularization of science are nowadays a necessity in scientific and didactic life. Launching these postgraduate studies is not only about creating a platform for mutual learning, exchange of experiences, but above all creating new interesting collaborations and mutual inspiration for action – says Aleksandra Ziembinska-Buczyńska.
The participants of the postgraduate studies “Scientific Communication and Popularization of Science” were supported by lecturers with many years of experience in conducting popular science activities, in cooperation with the media and in public relations, in journalism, creating radio and television content. The lecturers in the academic year 2024/2025 included: Aleksandra Ziembińska-Buczyńska, Dariusz Aksamit, Iwona Flanczewska-Rogalska, Katarzyna Głuch-Juszkiewicz, Mariusz Gogól, Anna Korzekwa-Józefowicz, Tomasz Książczyk, Jarosław Juszkiewicz, Natalia Osica, Jan Stradowski. More information about the lecturers can be found here: webpage.
- For me, as a leader in the educational team of the science centre, it is important that I would like to keep this knowledge not only for myself, but I am already thinking about when and in what form I will be able to pass it on to educators who work with us,- says Joanna Cupak from Stargard Culture Centre, participant of the first edition of postgraduate studies.
The next edition of the studies will start in October 2025. The application procedure lasts until August 22, 2025, and applications can be submitted by persons with a diploma of higher education at the master, engineering, or bachelor level. More information about the recruitment for postgraduate studies "Scientific Communication and Popularization of Science" in the academic year 2025/2026 is available on the website Recruitment of the Silesian University of Technology.
Text by Aleksandra Wojaczek
