“Bridging the Gap. Research for the public” is a training for researchers and journalists aimed at building bridges between Danida supported researchers and the media in West Africa.
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.
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” training for Danida supported researchers and journalists aims to bridge these gaps, pave the way for increased research and science reporting in the media, and thereby contribute to deepening the impact and uptake of Danida funded research projects.
For the researchers the seminar offers free training in how to communicate research to the general public – and how to get attention from the media based on one-to-one collaboration and interactions with journalists from the region. Communication to the public is increasingly recognised as a responsibility of researchers and scientists. Furthermore, good communication skills are important for winning funding. Media attention generates scientific citations.
For the journalists the seminar offers free training course on how to easily find news stories based on the latest scientific results from West Africa, a unique opportunity to get insights from researchers, collaborate with like minded journalists from the region and a field trip to the River Pra. Get ready to impress your editor with a range of new ideas – and learn the do’s and don’ts of science journalism.
Latest update of seminar programme. 28 September 2026. Subject to change
Why care about communicating to the media & intro to news criteria
12.00 – 12.30 pm CET: Welcome & intro to knowledge communication & Danida Fellows Network
12.30 - 2.30 pm CET: Your experience with communication? Know your audience. News criteria: Making your climate research interesting for the general public. Exercise: Find your key message.
Have your key message ready before 22 October
Facilitation by Lise Brix, Science Journalist at Videnskab.dk
How to write a press release and writeshop with individual mentor
12.00 - 12.20 pm CET: Group feedback on your key message
12.20 - 2:.00 pm CET: How to communicate, structure texts effectively, use of language, write your own press release.
2.00 – 5.00 pm CET (optional): Online 1-on-1 guidance.
Facilitation by Lise Brix, Science Journalist at Videnskab.dk
DEADLINE: HAND IND PRESS RELEASE BEFORE OCTOBER 25, 2026
25-31 October: Written feedback to press releases.
Engaging with the press - Mastering strong pitches and presentations
9.00 - 9.45: Recap from the online course
9.45-10.30: How to use your press releases - and getting through to the media
10.30-11.00: Break
11.00-12.30: Dealing with unpleasant questions + interview exercises
12.30-13.30: Lunch
13.30-14.30: Guest speaker: How communication has changed my life as a researcher by Tbc
14.30-15: The art of compelling pitches and oral presentations
15.00 -15.30: Break
15.30-16.30: Prepare a 1 minute oral pitch to journalists
Arrivals (only journalists)
Journalists & Researchers together:
9.00 - 9.45: Welcome remarks by the Danish ambassador to Ghana and overview of the Danish-Ghanaian partnership
Day programme for researchers:
Researchers: Research vs government-to-government programmes & Research vs media & SoMe reach
10.00 - 10.10: Recap and today’s programme
10.10 - 11.15: From research to reach: How media engagement can help researchers connect with their (right) stakeholders”
Experiences by: Tbc
11.15 - 11.30: Tea break
11.30 - 13.00: SoMe for researchers: Make your research reach further
Facilitator: Tbc
13:00 - 14:00: Lunch
14:00 - 15:45: Strengthening linkages with Danish-Ghanaian Strategic Sector Corporation programmes to enhance policy uptake
Case: Researcher presents: tbc
Three sector advisors present: tbc
Group work: Two or three groups each representing a sector, discussing best ways forward on collaboration and on sustained communication between the sector programmes (including opportunities for collaboration with the private sector) and research projects.
Presentation,discussion and workshop with rep(s) from the Danish Embassy
15:45 - 16:00 End of day & preparation for tomorrow
Day programme for journalists:
Science reporting
10.00 -11.30: Introduction to science reporting
11.30-11.45: Break
11.45-13.00: How to find the best local science news
Exercises: Sign up for embargoed news and find science news from your local area.
13.00-14.00: Lunch
14.00-16.30: Countering misinformation
When science disagrees: How to find the best possible information
Facilitator: Lise Brix, Videnskab.dk
Journalists & Researchers together:
18.00–19.00: Speed dating between journalists and researchers
19.00 – 21:00 Dinner & Evening get-together
Researchers & journalists together:
Field trip to Pra River. The bus leaves at 7 am from and is expected return to Kumasi at 6pm in time for farewell dinner.
Departures
