Module 2: Owning Your Spotlight

Published

July 9, 2026

Course Description

Grappling with public engagement and visibility can be so intimidating and overwhelming for a researcher, but as researchers attempt to find new ways of funding their research, and seek to impact policy and the public’s engagement with their research, visibility is a necessary component. This course equips researchers with the foundational tools and confidence to step into their spotlight.

This module combines tutorials, inspirational videos, and practical advice.

Delivery Format

Blended learning:

Self-paced downloadable PDF lessons (Lesson 1, 2, and 3)
Live virtual sessions for storytelling, discussion, and peer learning (Kick Off Live Event and Lesson 4)

Estimated Time Commitment

Approximately 3–4 hours for self-paced materials, plus participation in two live sessions.

Module Objectives

The objectives of this module are as follows:

To help researchers create multifunctional bios that summarise their research and career journeys
To equip researchers with practical skills for navigating media and social media engagement
To help researchers begin to build a public engagement plan and increase awareness of their digital footprint
To provide real-world insights into the journey of public engagement for a researcher

Module Components

Kick-Off Live Session

Owning Your Spotlight — Live Tutorial Session

Date: 3 June 2026 Watch the recording here

A live interactive session on the benefits of visibility for a woman researcher, an introduction to analysing one’s digital footprint, and a tutorial on how to create a multi-use bio.

Self-Paced Lessons (PDF) In Mawazo´s Learning Platform here

Lesson 1. Creating Your Bio
Accompanies the kick off live event in providing a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a multi-use bio.

Lesson 2. How to step into the Spotlight: Tips on Engaging Journalists
Provides a step-by-step guide for researchers to practise for a media interview, and tips on interacting with the media.

Lesson 3. How to step into the Spotlight: Tips on Social Media Engagement
Provides an introductory guide for researchers on social media concepts, and how to leverage LinkedIn.

Closing Live Session

Lesson 4. Owning Your Spotlight Closing - Live Storytelling Session

Date: 15 July 2026 Register here
Features researchers, at different points of their public engagement journeys, sharing personal experiences and practical lessons, including relatable fears, strategies to overcome them, and encouraging

Explore

KNOWLEDGE AND STORIES

See all

Learning the skill of leadership together

Research

25-06-26

Learning the skill of leadership together

A central element of this year’s YouLead Summit was the Leadership Clinic that focused on preparing the next generation of leaders to shape the Africa they aspire to build. It was created in partnership with MS TCDC, Danida Fellowship Centre and the Mawazo Institute.By Vibeke Quaade

Research

18-05-26

Burkina Faso’s healthcare heroes

In rural Burkina Faso, local doctors and nurses are working under severe shortages of essential medicines, equipment, and staff. A recent study by Burkinabe and Danish researchers highlights how frontline health workers are finding practical ways to keep services running, and how they often go beyond their formal duties to support their patients.

Engagement for impact – small shifts for bigger results

Research

18-05-26

Engagement for impact – small shifts for bigger results

Academic journals and conferences may be the bedrock of research, but for Danida-funded research teams it is a question of how to get research results to the people who need the evidence most. My role is to help researchers bridge the gap to ensure that research does not just end with a publication, but that it is the start of relevant conversations.

Research

01-05-26

Module 1: Get Funded: Understanding Research Grants

Funding for Research — Live Storytelling Session Read more

Research

14-04-26

Why focusing on research engagement

Most researchers want their work to make a difference, but turning research into meaningful change is not always straightforward. At Danida Fellowship Centre, we offer training for Danida-funded researchers to strengthen their communication and engagement skills so they can share their insights and knowledge outside academia.

Research

04-03-26

Why more women in health research matters

Why does it matter who does healthcare research – and who the research is about? The answer is that it affects what questions are asked and which health problems receive attention. In a new research paper, two Danida-funded researchers, Christina Anne Vinter and Ditte Søndergaard Linde together with their colleague Lone Kjeld Petersen show how gender gaps in leadership and research priorities still influence global health. By Elena Adamo

Research

04-03-26

Women driving change in leadership and research

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Danida Fellowship Centre wishes to spotlight our efforts to strengthen the role of women in leadership and research in Denmark’s development cooperation activities.

Research

03-03-26

Join the More Women in Research Community

Join the communityWhether you are a female Danida fellow or a woman researcher elsewhere, you are warmly invited to join the conversation, help amplify the manifesto, and support the implementation of its recommendations in your own context – whether at university level or within other institutions, backed by a range of stakeholder groups.

Research

02-03-26

Get Funded: Understanding Research Grants

(This session has already happened. Watch the recording here)

Danida Fellowship Centre

Phone: (+45) 3536 1322
Mail: dfc@dfcentre.dk

VAT number: 17246011
EAN (General activities): 5798009814364
EAN (Research projects): 5798000008809

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Module 2: Owning Your Spotlight