UP and VU launched a new PhD Academy in Publishing Skills and Science Communication in Amsterdam
A new joint Aurora PhD programme was launched by Palacký University and Vrije Universiteit as part of the Capacity Development Programme. The programme is equipping young researchers at Aurora associate partner universities in Central and Eastern Europe with advanced skills in research and science communication.
Over five days, from October 6th to 10th, intensive training sessions were delivered by experts from UP and VU in Amsterdam, bringing together 25 PhD students from 6 Aurora universities including UP, VU, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Tetovo University in North Macedonia, Kharkiv National University in Ukraine, and South-West University in Bulgaria. During these sessions, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of hands-on workshops, expert-led seminars, and collaborative exercises. The training covered the full spectrum of research dissemination, from navigating academic publishing to communicating findings beyond university walls.
The programme addressed key areas of current research practices:
- Open Science & AI in Research – Implementing open science practices and exploring the ethical use of AI.
- Mastering the Literature – Practical strategies for reviewing and synthesising academic sources.
- From Paper to Publication – Crafting strong manuscript introductions and understanding editorial expectations.
- FAIR Data & Software – Applying FAIR principles, archiving data and code, and documenting research effectively.
- Science Communication & Visibility – Translating complex research for non-academic audiences, writing engaging blog posts, and interacting with media.
Beyond skill development, the programme fostered a supportive peer-learning environment, connecting researchers across disciplines and institutions. Participants engaged with global experts, gaining insights into ethical publishing, open-access strategies, and storytelling in science.
By the end of the programme, participants had a tailor-made toolkit to strengthen both the quality and reach of their research. The initiative not only enhanced publishing and communication skills but also advanced Aurora’s broader mission: promoting knowledge sharing, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and bridging the gap between science and society.