Science communication

The AUGent Science Communication Team manages, stimulates and supports initiatives around science communication at the four member institutions. The Science Communication Team pursues a dynamic policy in order to fit the changing needs of its different target groups, the characteristic traits and expertise of the member institutions, and the guidelines set out by the Flemish Government.

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Science communication is a term used to refer to a broad spectrum of activities used to enhance the science-society relationship. Our main objectives are:

• sensitize: make the general public aware of the importance of sciences, technology and innovation and thus create support for a policy that invests in science communication
• raise interest and inspire: in particular for children and youngsters and especially concerning participation in STEM-sciences (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• inform: increase the knowledge of the general public, among other things in order to form better founded opinions and to make better informed decisions
• create a dialogue with society: besides informing the general public, we also aspire to listen to needs, reflections and ideas about sciences and research.
  

We hereby mainly refer to sciences as natural and applied sciences, but also medical sciences, humanities and social sciences, and all of their resulting applications.

Strategies include communication starting from research (taking scientific findings, analysis, expertise or institutional concerns as a starting point, e.g. attracting attention to excellent research groups), society driven communication (based on current topics such as controversial research or technology), and service delivery aimed at specific target groups (such as providing information or setting up exploratory studies answering informative needs of society). Target groups are children, youngsters, teachers, organizations and the general public,…

• Initiatives for the general public: Science bars in Ghent, Courtrai and Bruges, organization of a Science Day, contribute to press releases, …
• Initiatives for children and youngsters: Science in the spotlight, Children’s University, Robocup junior, Flemish (Youth) Technology Olympiad, Technics tournament, …
• STEM-academies: Children’s Universities, Science Academy, Children’s Laboratory, …
• Initiatives for schools: stimulate synergy in the development and distribution of educational packages, scientific training for teachers, …
• Initiatives for organizations: Science shop
• Create a communication culture about science among researchers, by sensitization, organization of training programmes (e.g. Summer School Zeg ’t eens), …
• Establish one central contact point for Ghent University Association
• Streamline existing initiatives
• Formulate and adjust a policy plan concerning science communication and participation in various advisory boards

The Flemish choice for an economy based upon knowledge intensive activities not only creates the need for a higher number of scientifically and technically trained people, but also for a broader public support for the importance of sciences, technology and technological innovation. Moreover, science is a cultural phenomenon.
Universities and University Colleges are located at the interface between education and research. Given our task as knowledge generators, we are co-responsible for an optimized circulation of that knowledge in society. We also play a significant role in training future staff and teachers.

Website science communication Universiteit Gent
Website science communication Hogeschool Gent
Website science communication Arteveldehogeschool for children
Website science communication Arteveldehogeschool for schools
Website science communication Howest

The Science Communication Team can be reached through wetenschapscommunicatie@AUGent.be.

You can also contact our colleagues directly:

Céline Van Rijckeghem
Rectoraat,
Sint-Pietersnieuwstr. 25
9000 Gent
T: (+32) 09 264 82 59
E: Celine.VanRijckeghem@UGent.be

David De Wolf
Rectoraat,
Sint-Pietersnieuwstr. 25
9000 Gent
T: (+32) 09 264 82 54
M: (+32) 0471 51 01 55
E: David.DeWolf@UGent.be

Ineke Imbo
Rectoraat,
Sint-Pietersnieuwstr. 25
9000 Gent
T: (+32) 09 264 83 17
E: Ineke.Imbo@UGent.be

Karlijn Franck
Geraard de Duivelstraat 5
9000 Gent
T: (+32) 09 243 32 86
M: (+32) 473 83 88 17
E: Karlijn.Franck@hogent.be
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Julie Ghyselinck
Geraard De Duivelstraat 5
9000 Gent
T: (+ 32) 9 243 32 90
E: Julie.ghyselinck@hogent.be

Lise Van der Haegen
Hoogpoort 15
9000 Gent
T: (+32) 09 234 91 52
E: lise.vanderhaegen@arteveldehs.be

Elke Christiaen
Marksesteenweg 58
8500 Kortrijk
T: (+32) 056 24 12 90
M: (+32) 0477 78 06 17
E: Elke.Christiaen@howest.be