Date: April 1st 2025

Conference Venue: Trinity College Dublin

PROGRAMME

Registration and Epistemic Orientation: Arrival and light refreshments, coupled with an interactive discussion designed to gauge participant perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of digital science communication.

Opening Remarks and Inaugural Address: Prof. Joseph Roche, Associate Dean of Research, and Aoife Taylor, Research Manager and SciCo+ Ireland Lead (Both of Trinity College Dublin), will welcome attendees and introduce the SciCo+ project and its results.

 

Plenary Session: “Dismantling the Ivory Tower: Mainstreaming Science Communication Competencies in Higher Education”

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Giovanni Lima, Distinguished Representative of DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment) is a globally recognised thought leader in the realm of research assessment and science communication. As a key figure at DORA, Dr. Lima is at the forefront of efforts to promote more equitable and impactful evaluation metrics that recognise the diverse contributions of researchers and the crucial role of science communication in stimulating public engagement with scientific knowledge. Her pioneering work has been instrumental in driving institutional change and shaping a more inclusive and impactful research ecosystem.

Keynote Address: This presentation will critically examine the systemic barriers hindering the widespread adoption of science communication as a core competency within higher education institutions. Drawing on empirical evidence and best practices from around the globe, Dr. Lima will articulate a compelling vision for transforming the academic landscape, advocating for the integration of science communication training into curricula across disciplines and the implementation of evaluation metrics that incentivise and reward effective knowledge translation. The presentation will emphasise the key role of DORA in ushering in this paradigm shift and empowering researchers to become impactful communicators.

 

SciCo+ Workshops: Discussions will be facilitated by members of the Science and Society Research Group at Trinity College Dublin who will explore pressing issues at the intersection of science, technology, and society. This dynamic session offers a unique opportunity to observe and contribute to the evolving landscape of science communication research. The workshops will conclude with a roundtable discussion facilitated by key stakeholders from science communication in Ireland, science communication professors, government funded research centre public engagement managers, and representatives from allied social scientists for understanding critical knowledge. A small number of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral researchers will also be present to represent early career researchers. Guests of honour at the event will be Palestinian science communication researchers studying science communication in Ireland on international scholarships.

 

Final Reflections on Pedagogical Praxis. Prof. Joseph Roche will examine the challenges and opportunities of engaging diverse student populations with complex scientific concepts, with a particular focus on addressing imposter syndrome in science communication. This will be followed by a carefully curated networking opportunity designed to encourage the exchange of ideas among conference participants before the conference dinner.

 

Conference Dinner: The Fellows and Scholars Dining Hall at Trinity College Dublin.

A communal dining experience for informal dialogue and knowledge sharing in a relaxed and convivial setting. Participants will engage in a curated conversation about the challenges and opportunities of science communication, fueled by stimulating discussions and the consumption of traditional Irish fare (and free Guinness). The conference dinner serves as a fitting conclusion to the transformative journey of knowledge acquisition and the enduring bonds forged through the SciCo+ project.

 

Transcending Disciplinary Boundaries Social Event: Cocktails and Collaborative Ideation.

An informal social gathering designed to encourage cross-disciplinary networking and collaborative ideation in a stimulating atmosphere. Participants are invited to engage in casual conversation, exchange insights, and forge lasting connections while enjoying a selection of handcrafted cocktails. This final session offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the insights gained throughout the conference and to explore potential avenues for future collaboration.