From 14 to 18 September 2026, representatives of Babeș-Bolyai University participated in EUTOPIA Impact School, a training programme focused on developing research communication skills. Over five days, participants explored ways to present scientific findings clearly and accessibly, tailoring their messages to different audiences.
The programme combined practical workshops, individual preparation sessions and group activities. Topics included storytelling, writing press releases, developing a short pitch, interview techniques and speaking on camera. The programme concluded with presentations in which participants put their newly developed skills into practice.
The programme’s practical approach enabled participants to work on topics from their own research fields and adapt them to different communication formats. One particularly appreciated exercise involved creating a poster without digital tools, offering an opportunity to develop a visual message through an approach different from their everyday practice.
Another valuable aspect was the exchange of experiences with early-career researchers from different disciplines and countries. Discussions addressed the challenges of publishing and securing funding, balancing research and teaching, and explaining research beyond specialist communities. Teamwork and informal exchanges offered fresh perspectives on participants’ projects and helped establish contacts for potential collaboration.
The EUTOPIA Impact School experience provided tools that can be used in teaching, presenting projects and communicating research findings to the public, the media and potential funders. Participation highlights the value of the training and collaboration opportunities offered by the EUTOPIA Alliance for researchers’ professional development.
