MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR WISSENSCHAFTSGESCHICHTE Max Planck Institute for the History of Science

Event

Sep 24, 2026
Master Class: Research Communication for the Humanities

Description
At a time when the Humanities face increasing pressure from both politicians and the public to justify their value, it is more important than ever to explain what the Humanities do—and why they matter. Through research in fields such as history, anthropology, sociology, literature, and the philosophy of science, Humanities scholars offer crucial perspectives that help connect science to human values and ethical reflection. Yet too often, these insights remain confined within academia.

How can Humanities researchers better engage with the wider public?

This Research Communication for the Humanities Master Class is led by Peter Hyldgård, one of Denmark’s most experienced research communicators, and highlights the importance of communicating Humanities research and provides practical guidance on how, why, and for whom to communicate. You will learn about audience-driven communication, develop clear strategies for communicating your research, and understand why trust and clarity are central to impact

Instructor
Peter Hyldgård has more than twenty years of experience as a science communicator, writing for major Danish newspapers, teaching science communication to researchers at all levels, and authored the handbook Share Your Research. He is co-founder of Videnskab.dk and the English-language ScienceNordic.com.

Language
English

Location
Meeting Room (10.3.28)
Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS)
University of Copenhagen
Karen Blixens Plads 8
Building 10 
2300 Copenhagen S
Denmark

Organizer(s)
Contact and Registration

Organized by Ole Laursen (MPIWG) and Anuj Misra (MPIWG/ToRS), this Master Class is designed for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS). Space is limited to sixteen (16) participants. If space allows, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from the Faculty of Humanities and senior staff members from ToRS are welcome to join. Please note that this event will not be held in Berlin.

To register for the Master Class, please send an email to Ole Laursen (olaursen@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de) with the subject line: “Last Name – Research Communication Master Class” by September 1, 2026, and indicate your career level. Confirmation of participation will be communicated by September 8, 2026.

Provisional Program

  • 10:00–12:00: Session 1: Presentation Skills for Young Researchers

    How do I make a lasting impression on my audience when I’m presenting my research project or other complex information? This might be at a conference, when pitching a new project to a funding body, or when giving a talk to a public audience. In this session, we work on "telling a good story," engaging the audience and practising presentation techniques.

    By the end of this session, participants will:

    • Present complex scientific ideas clearly and engagingly
    • Structure talks for different audiences
    • Use voice, body language, and visuals effectively

  • 12:00–13:00: Lunch (provided)

  • 13:00–15:00: Session 2: Communication Strategies for Young Researchers

    In this session, you will develop a strategy for how research communication can fit into a busy scientific research career. Through practical exercises, you will work with various formats, including articles, videos, presentations, social media, and media relations, and you will receive personalized feedback.

    By the end of this session, participants will:

    • Adapt communication to different audiences and contexts
    • Choose the right format (talk, media, policy, public engagement)
    • Use framing and messaging strategically
    • Communicate uncertainty and risk responsibly
2026-09-24T10:00:00SAVE IN I-CAL 2026-09-24 10:00:00 2026-09-24 15:00:00 Master Class: Research Communication for the Humanities Description At a time when the Humanities face increasing pressure from both politicians and the public to justify their value, it is more important than ever to explain what the Humanities do—and why they matter. Through research in fields such as history, anthropology, sociology, literature, and the philosophy of science, Humanities scholars offer crucial perspectives that help connect science to human values and ethical reflection. Yet too often, these insights remain confined within academia. How can Humanities researchers better engage with the wider public? This Research Communication for the Humanities Master Class is led by Peter Hyldgård, one of Denmark’s most experienced research communicators, and highlights the importance of communicating Humanities research and provides practical guidance on how, why, and for whom to communicate. You will learn about audience-driven communication, develop clear strategies for communicating your research, and understand why trust and clarity are central to impact Instructor Peter Hyldgård has more than twenty years of experience as a science communicator, writing for major Danish newspapers, teaching science communication to researchers at all levels, and authored the handbook Share Your Research. He is co-founder of Videnskab.dk and the English-language ScienceNordic.com. Language English Location Meeting Room (10.3.28) Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS) University of Copenhagen Karen Blixens Plads 8 Building 10  2300 Copenhagen S Denmark Ole LaursenAnuj Misra Ole LaursenAnuj Misra Europe/Berlin public