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Creating connections
/ Conducting science communication research across disciplinary boundaries

Friday 18 September 2026

KU Leuven – Antwerp (Sint-Jacob campus)

On 18 September 2026, we are bringing together researchers from Belgium and beyond working on the interaction between science and society for our third research day at KU Leuven's Sint-Jacob campus in Antwerp, a 10 minute walk from Antwerp's central station.

 

Science communication is studied by researchers in communication science, sociology, linguistics, natural sciences, biomedical sciences and many more domains. All these research fields have their own core concepts, theoretical frameworks, methods, and communities, which poses a challenge for truly inter- or transdisciplinary understanding and collaboration.

 

Through this event, we aim to break down academic silos to learn from other research traditions, build connections, and develop new ideas. Moving away from the traditional academic conference format, we plan an interactive day that will start with an introductory session where we get to know each other’s research. In the afternoon, we will dive deeper into theories and methodologies to study science communication in two practical workshops. 

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Note that this day is for academics who conduct research on science communication (defined broadly). If you are a science communication practitioner or a researcher looking to strengthen your own communication skills, our annual conference on 4 December in Brussels may be more relevant for you (more information to follow). However, you are welcome to join if you are interested in contributing to discussions on science communication research theories and methodologies.

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Organized by BE SciComm and KU Leuven, with the support of NeFCA.

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Schedule (details to follow)

10:30

Registration and coffee

11:00

Introductory session

To get acquainted with each other and the diversity of disciplines present, everyone will briefly introduce themselves (2-3 minutes). You can use up to three slides.

12:00

Lunch

13:00

Workshop part 1

We will work in groups, each focusing on a central theme in science communication (research), such as misinformation or trust. Each group will come up with a (hypothetical) plan for a study that revolves around their theme, incorporating elements from each other's disciplines.

15:00

Break

15:30

Workshop part 2

We will finalize the plans and present them to each other, as well as what we've learned about working across disciplines.

16:40

Wrap-up

We end the day with a group discussion on conducting interdisciplinary research on science communication.

17:00

Drinks

Organizing comittee

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Elisa Nelissen

KU Leuven

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Translation and Interpreting Studies Research Unit

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Translation and Intercultural Transfer Research Group

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Ingrid van Marion

Université Libre de Bruxelles

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Information and Communication Research Center (ReSIC)

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Sofie Verkest

Ghent University​

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Linguistics Department

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MULTIPLES Research Center

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Miguel Vissers

University of Antwerp

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Department of Communication Studies

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MIOS and AMSoC Research Groups

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Are you (aspiring to be) involved in science communication?

Join our community and attend one of our networking events. We bring together (future) science communicators in Belgium, from researchers to journalists, press officers, communication professionals, designers, policymakers, students, etc.

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