Scientific storytelling

For weeks, months, years you work in the lab, you analyze your data and you edit your scientific publications. Then, one day, you are at a university reception. You tell the rector what you do and he responds with "Gosh, interesting. Have you already tasted the bitterballen?" What would happen if you pointed to his wine glass and said: "Let me tell you a story. Look at that glass. That's like a neural network…"

Why storytelling?
Stories are the ideal way to transfer information. The human brain is, in a way, pre-programmed for stories. Are you curious about how your scientific story can be more exciting? Join a workshop Scientific Storytelling!

Workshops

After one of our workshops you can tell a captivating story to the chairman of the board, to the secretary of state and to the evaluation committee. The skills are also very useful when writing grant proposals, giving lectures or talking to journalists.

Workshops for researchers and science communicators
The workshops are aimed at researchers and science communicators who seek creative angles, want to tell better stories, and want to attract and connect. Do you also want to approach your own story with a creative eye? Do you want to come up with great ideas? Do you want to gain insight into what makes your research so exciting? If so, our workshops are just for you!

Improv theatre combined with science communication
The workshops combine techniques from theater sports with science communication. Theatre sports is a form of improvisational theater in which actors create a story on stage with suggestions from the audience. During the workshops, you learn by trial and error how to make smart associations, what the ingredients of a good story are, and how to create a tension arc. In this way you will discover creative angles for telling about research in a playful manner.

Embrace the unexpected
Besides that you learn to use the unexpected in a way that serves your story. This is useful, for example, when a journalist asks a question that you are not prepared for. In short, with the Scientific Storytelling workshops you learn to tell, inspire and engage in a pleasant and playful way.

About the trainers

David Redeker and Marloes ten Kate are telling stories about science for years. David writes and advises. Marloes presents and makes video and TV. Both are improvisation actors who know how to tell an exciting story about science.