...is a trainer and seminar leader, specialised in communication, social skills and creative thinking. Currently, he works with more than 20 universities and international research institutions. He is passionate about travelling, expanding his and other people's minds, juggling and designing new exciting trainings and learning games.

Topics of the workshop

• 'Safe workplace' in the university environment: Sustainable communication in an intercultural context and in male-dominated groups
• Best-practice techniques of conflict management: conducting unpleasant conversations and conflicts according to the 'Harvard concept'
• Pyramid principle vs. funnel shape: basic patterns of successful communication and the 'empathy formula'
• The art of asking deep questions to better understand your counterpart, build rapport and avoid conflict
• Paratactic and effective communication: pauses for silence and conciseness of expression
• The power of body language: the most important parameters for confident non-verbal communication and effective use of the voice

Find out more about the trainer here.

...is a trainer and seminar leader, specialised in communication, social skills and creative thinking. Currently, he works with more than 20 universities and international research institutions. He is passionate about travelling, expanding his and other people's minds, juggling and designing new exciting trainings and learning games.

"Master your future job interviews with confidence! You will learn the essential techniques for effective communication and best-practice strategies for job interviews in academia and beyond. We will practice how to generate a positive impression and how to elegantly highlight your achievements and expertise, standing out from other applicants. We will also discuss how to prepare effectively for your next interview and how to deal with anxiety. See you at the workshop!"

Dr. Meike Lauggas -  Coach, trainer and lecturer at universities

The principles of collegial leadership and a number of conflict tools will be presented. 

Keywords for the training:

• Negotiating conflict or how to best deal with conflicting opinions in a project as the team leader.
• Constructive criticism and motivation; inclusive leadership.

  Find out more about the trainer here.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more public engagement activities are moved to the virtual space. This holds new challenges and opportunities, yet some core questions remain the same: Who are our audiences and how can we communicate in interactive, accessible and inspiring ways? What are our main messages and what formats are suitable to aligning goals and audiences?

In this workshop, we are going to look at “purpose, people and process” with the aim of devising meaningful online engagement activities for diverse audiences. All participants are invited to rapidly prototype a science engagement activity related to their own research project. The workshop will consist of inputs, group discussion, reflective practice and work on own ideas.

Association ScienceCenter-Network has many years of experience in hands-on, interactive, dialogue-oriented science communication. As many other institutions alike, COVID-19 forced us to rethink our communication strategies and strengthen our efforts in online outreach.

• Barbara Streicher is a molecular biologist with long-term experience in science communication. As the Executive Manager of the Austrian Association ScienceCenter-Network, she fosters joyful learning experiences in open and engaging settings. Besides hands-on science center activities for various publics, she provides support, training and impulses for the Austrian network of more than 170 partners active in science engagement.

• Sarah Funk studied Development Studies at the University of Vienna. In 2012, she started working as a project manager in the field of science communication and public engagement. She curates travelling exhibitions, conducts research and runs professional development workshops for scientists, researchers and teachers with a focus on interactive science communication, inquiry-based learning and exhibit design.