heiSKILLS certificate - CAS Science Communication Structure and content of the CAS in Science Communication

This introductory module provides an overview of key concepts, objectives, and functions of science communication. Participants explore different audiences and communication formats, as well as the role and significance of science communication in society. They also reflect on their own role as science communicators and develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of clear, accessible, and audience-oriented communication.

The module begins with an e-learning course offered by the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik), which participants complete independently. Upon successful completion, participants attend an advanced workshop in which the course content is revisited, discussed, and applied through practice-oriented exercises. Information on registration for the advanced workshop will be provided upon successful completion of the NaWik e-learning course.

In the second module, participants deepen their skills and develop individual areas of specialization. Strategy and Concept Development is a compulsory component and provides the foundation for planning targeted communication activities. Participants learn to define communication objectives, analyse target audiences, and develop communication concepts, including appropriate measures and evaluation criteria.

The 4 ECTS credits for this module are earned by completing selected courses. In addition to the compulsory area of Strategy and Concept Development, participants choose two of the following three areas of specialization:

Strategy and Concept Development (Compulsory)

This area develops competencies in the strategic planning of science communication. Participants learn to develop audience-oriented communication concepts and to systematically select appropriate measures and evaluation criteria.

Text, Storytelling and Publishing (Elective Area 1)

This specialization develops skills in accessible scientific writing, the use of storytelling techniques, and the audience-oriented adaptation of scientific content for different publication formats.

Rhetoric and Dialogue Formats (Elective Area 2)

This specialization focuses on communicating scientific content clearly and effectively in spoken formats, developing presentation skills, and responding confidently to critical questions, uncertainty, and controversial discussions.

Audio, Video and Social Media (Elective Area 3)

Participants develop practical skills in designing and producing digital communication formats, as well as in the strategic use of social media and visual approaches to science communication.

Semester program

In the final module, participants apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired by developing and implementing their own science communication project. They develop a communication concept, put it into practice, and reflect on the entire process - from defining objectives and implementing the project to evaluating its impact. This approach facilitates the direct transfer of the knowledge and skills acquired during the CAS into participants’ own academic and research practice.

Before beginning the final module, participants are required to attend a mandatory consultation meeting. To prepare for this meeting, please submit your complete documentation for Modules I and II by email to wisskomm@heiskills.uni-heidelberg.de. 

During the consultation, the project idea will be discussed and its scope, objectives, and feasibility will be agreed upon. The consultation serves as the basis for the subsequent development and implementation of the individual science communication project.