13. November 2026 · Smart City Lab Leipzig
Workshop for doctoral candidates and researchers
"Storytelling as a tool for science communication"
In August, science streets brought science to the streets of Leipzig through comics. Now, the project is sharing its insights into how research can be presented as a story outside a purely academic context.
This half-day workshop will introduce concrete building blocks for telling stories about research. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop and try out initial ideas using their own research topics.
The free workshop is aimed at doctoral candidates and researchers from all disciplines who want to communicate their research in a more understandable and accessible way. No previous experience in public speaking or storytelling is required – just bring your research and a willingness to experiment.
what to expect - preliminary outline
The following is a first overview of the planned workshop. Further details will be added as the programme develops.
Agata Patyczek and Laura Mayer, the project leads of science streets, will begin by sharing findings and experiences from the project.
Dr. Sophie G. Elschner will then lead the workshop, covering:
What makes science communication effective, with examples of successful approaches.
Why science communication matters beyond academia?
How to identify and engage different target audiences.
How to develop clear key messages and adapt them to your audience.
Workshop facilitator
Dr. Sophie G. Elschner is a cognitive scientist, science communicator and illustrator. She earned her doctorate in cognitive psychology at the University of Konstanz in 2021. After a postdoc position in the science of science communication at Fraunhofer CINES, she worked at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité as an editor for science communication.
Her broad spectrum of formats ranges from institute-pr to lay communications, including press releases, interviews, podcasting, video, newsletters and social media. On top, she has created engaging science illustrations, articles and short stories; her biggest project being psychoSoph – a comic on psychology and neuroscience.