The NAI Science-to-Policy Communication Masterclass

The NAI Science-to-Policy Communication Masterclass is a workshop designed for researchers who want their research to reach and inform policymakers and other decision-makers. The workshop is organised by the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) in collaboration with and hosted by KTH Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).

The overall aim of the masterclass is to strengthen participating researchers’ capacity for effective science-to-policy communication, regardless of their previous experience. Through practical examples, reflection and exchange of experiences, the masterclass provides participants with tools to develop, test and refine approaches that they can apply to their own research and communication contexts.

The NAI Science-to-Policy Communication Masterclass has been developed by NAI through years of practical application and continuous refinement in collaboration with universities and research institutions in Africa and internationally. Since the start in 2022, well over 200 researchers in 10 countries have completed the masterclass.

The workshop is primarily intended for researchers, including doctoral students, from Africa or with a focus on Africa, at Stockholm Trio – KTH, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University. The number of participants is limited and we reserve the right to prioritise participants focused on Africa. Once the workshop is full, we offer the opportunity to join a waitlist for any available spots that may open up.

Register on the event page

Programme

08:45–09:00 Arrival, registration and coffee

09:00–09:05 Welcome remarks – Erika Svensson Rössner, KTH

09:05–09:15 Introduction to the workshop – Victoria Engstrand-Neacsu and Henrik Alfredsson, NAI

09:15–09:45 The role of Science Communication in policymaking – the NAI Model of Science-to-Policy Communication: presentation and short discussion

09:45–10:30 Understanding my target groups – defining, and understanding the needs and preferences of my target group: presentation and short exercise

10:30–10:45 Break

10:45–11:30 Writing for policymakers – the drafting of a policy note, tips and tricks: presentation and discussion

11:30–12:30 Combining words and visuals – enhancing science-to-policy communication through infographics and visualisations: presentation and discussion

12:30–13:30 Lunch (a light lunch will be served)

13:30–14:15 Briefing for impact – dialogue and presentation techniques: the policymaker perspective, identifying policymaker needs & priorities, dialogue & briefing techniques: presentation and short discussion

14:15–14:45 Channels for sharing research with key audiences – analysing the components of a channel mix: examples and discussion

14:45–15:30 Concluding session – self-assessment of science communication capacity, the way forward: exercise and discussion

Facilitators

Henrik Alfredsson, Communication and Policy Engagement Officer, NAI
Victoria Engstrand-Neacsu, Head of Communication and Policy Engagement, NAI
A researcher co-facilitator from NAI (TBD)

About the organisers

The Nordic Africa Institute

The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) is a knowledge hub for collaborative research, library services and communication, promoting a deeper understanding of contemporary African perspectives, challenges and opportunities. NAI is a Swedish public agency jointly funded by Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark.

The Nordic Africa Institute's website

The KTH in Africa Community

The KTH in Africa Community brings together colleagues, faculty members, students and alumni interested in collaboration related to Africa. The community shares information and exchanges experiences from collaboration between African universities and KTH, and encompasses all KTH schools.

Read more about registration and sign up via the event registration page