PhD Stories is an innovative online training module created by i-strategies for developing Research Storytelling Skills in PhD candidates.
The idea started to implement the recommendation of the European Charter for Researchers and the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training regarding Research Communication.
Thanks to our academic background, the communication for Research projects we managed and, above all, the know-how related to #storytelling, i-strategies developed an online training module to foster storytelling skills in PhD candidates.
Improving research communication skills in PhD candidates is a way to spread the passion for science and research to the general public. A useful way to prevent anti-scientific attitudes is generating a more strong citizen-science and public engagement in Research.
Storytelling represents a powerful tool to achieve these objectives.
We first-time tested PhD Stories online module on September 21st 2020, at the University of Macerata with 25 PhD candidates in Social Sciences and Humanities.
The methodologies we used to fuel the PhD candidate’s engagement in the course were based on three steps: Interactive Digital Lectures, Role-playing and Project Work discussion.
1st part [Interactive Digital Lecture]: Why is Research Communication important? ׀ Science Communication according to the European Union ׀ Differences among Communication, Dissemination and Outreach activities ׀ Best cases of PhD Communication.
2nd part [Interactive Digital Lecture]: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin for Research Communication (overview) ׀ Best practices of Social Media PhD Communication ׀ Best practices of PhD Thesis Visualisation ׀ Practical Tips to use a narrative approach in Research Communication.
3rd part [Role-playing exercise]: “Tell your PhD Research”. The 25 PhD candidates who attended the training module were divided into seven small groups using the Zoom “Breakout rooms”. During the time of the practical exercise assigned to them, their activities were supported through practical tips and supervision.
4th part [Project Work discussion]: At the end of the practical exercise, the breakout rooms were closed and all the attendees came back to the plenary session to share and discuss the project works they did. After some general remarks, the webinar ended.
Thanks to the University of Macerata and all PhD candidates for the passion which they bring to Research every day!
If you are interested in developing Innovative PhD training using Storytelling, do not hesitate to contact i-strategies here.
It will be a pleasure for us to collaborate with you!