In an era of increased mis- and disinformation and even sometimes deliberate fake news, the communication of fact-based knowledge is essential if both the general public and policymakers are to make informed decisions on issues facing their communities and regions.
Communication of academic research and science is essential to help the general public and policymakers make informed decisions on issues that face their countries and communities. However, too much research knowledge and too many scientific results never make it to the public; knowledge is lost in the gap between the researchers and the media and public.
This “Bridging the Gap. Research for the public” seminar for Danida supported researchers aims to bridge these gaps, pave the way for increased research and science reporting in the media, and thereby contribute to deepen the impact and uptake of Danida funded research projects.
In addition, Bridging the Gap. Research for the public is to get media documentation of the research collaboration projects and research capacity development that Danida supports.
Bridging the Gap. Science for the Public is part of Danida Fellowship Centre’s Science engagement journey. If you have questions related to this programme, you are welcome to contact event@dfcentre.dk
Latest update of seminar programme. 23 Feb 2026. Subject to change
24 March 2026
24 March 2026. Day 1 / online
Why care about communicating to the media & intro to news criteria
12.00 – 12.15 pm CET
Welcome and intro: Why care about communication
Vibeke Quaade, Danida Fellowship Centre, Mapie Mhlangu, Media Strategist, Founder of MCC and Kemigisha Fiona, Digital Content Creator at Khama Digital Content Hub.
12.15 am – 3.00 pm CET
Your experience with communication?
Know your audience & the (current) global agenda related to your research topic
News criteria: Making your climate research interesting for the general public
Exercise: News criteria in your own research
Exercise: Find your key message
Facilitation by Lise Brix, Science Journalist at Videnskab.dk
25 March 2026
25 March. Day 2 /online
How to write a press release and writeshop with individual mentor
12.00 – 2.00 pm CET
Early session
How to communicate
How to structure texts and speeches in an effective way
Use of language
Presentation of exercise: Write your own press release
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm CET (optional)
Late session
Online availability to help you write your press release.
1-on-1 guidance by your course leaders (voluntary).
Send your press release to: lb@ videnskab.dk and vq@dfcentre.dk. Deadline 31 March before midnight. A written press release is required to pass this course.
Facilitation by Lise Brix, Science Journalist at Videnskab.dk
21 April 2026
21 April. Day 3 / online
Get your key message across. 1-0-1 mini interviews
Pick your slot (each slot: 10 minutes). 12.00 – 5.00 pm CET
Mini-interviews conducted by Mapie Mhlangu, Editor-in-Chief at Newzroom Afrika. The interviews sessions will be based on the press releases that you did in the previous sessions. Your task will be to pitch it to a professional editor, making sure that you will get your message and findings across. You will receive feedback and advice.
23 April 2026
23 April. Day 4 / online
Press releases and the art of collaborating with the media
12.00 – 3.00 pm CET
General feedback and learning points from your press release
Feedback on 1-0-1 interviews
Pitch your story. 5 steps
Ongoing collaboration with media organisations. 10 steps
Facilitation by Mapie Mhlangu, Media Strategist, Founder of MCC and Lise Brix, Science Journalist at Videnskab.dk
28 April 2026
28 April. Day 5 /online
Strategic use of social media in research
12.00 – 2.00 pm CET
Why Social Media
Translate technical research into accessible, professional digital content
Build sustainable content systems aligned to research workflows
Use SoMe platforms such as LinkedIn or Research Gate to build community, collaboration opportunities, and authority
Develop a realistic posting rhythm that supports long-term
Facilitation by Fiona, Vibeke Quaade, Danida Fellowship Centre
30 April 2026
30 April. Day 6 /online
Individual feedback to SoMe post & personal profile
Pick your slot. 12.00 – 5.00 pm CET
1-0-1 feedback a 10 min
Kemigisha Fiona, Digital Content Creator at Khama Digital Content Hub,Vibeke Quaade, Senior Communications Consultant, Danida Fellowship Centre
