Scimpact: Your introduction to science communication

The Scimpact program runs from October to June and is built around three core pillars: hands-on workshops, individual support from experienced coaches, and the development and implementation of your own science communication project.

Skills development and project work take place in parallel from the very beginning. In the workshops, you will learn how to make scientific findings accessible, place them in a broader societal context, and communicate them effectively to different target audiences. Topics include the fundamentals of science communication, storytelling, target audiences, event management, moderation, and various forms of multimedia communication.

At the same time, you will start developing your own science communication project right from the beginning of the program – especially since events require early planning and preparation. Either independently or in a team of two, you will organize an event as part of one of Reatch’s formats, write a blog post, or produce a podcast episode. You will continuously apply what you learn in the workshops to your project. Throughout the development and implementation process, you will be supported by a coach and receive individual feedback.

You can find examples of Scimpact projects here:

• Safe Space oder Suchtfalle? Chancen und Risiken von Sozialen Medien – PPS by Annika Guhl and Désirée Lang
• Cognitive Learning in Humans and Machines: Insights from Psychology and AI – event by Maria Ioanna Magkouta and Sandro Maio
• Life of a Scientist – RRH event by Raphael Zumbrunn and Pauline Kaspar
• What’s the Point of Biodiversity? – blog post by Henry Broadbent
• Fokus Nahrungsfasern: Mehr als nur Ballast für die Verdauung – podcast by Valentina Huwiler and Janina Zünd

Ethics Award

In cooperation with Stiftung Wegweiser, Reatch presents the Ethics Award as part of Scimpact. Scimpact Fellows explore the role and significance of values in science and present their reflections in a short video.

As part of Scimpact, you will develop essential skills for effective science communication:

• You will learn how to tailor content to different target audiences, present ideas convincingly, and develop your own communication formats to make your topic visible beyond the scientific community.
• The program strengthens your methodological skills and provides you with the practical tools you need to implement projects effectively.
• You will expand your network and meet engaged people from different scientific fields and universities across Switzerland.

The Scimpact program costs CHF 80, including a two-year Reatch membership.

Additional costs may arise for individual train journeys to in-person events.

It is important to us that financial circumstances are not a barrier to your participation. If you need financial support, please get in touch with us – we will work with you to find a solution.

The time commitment for the Scimpact program depends on the format you choose and the respective phase of the program.

As a guideline, you should plan for an average of around two hours per week for workshops, preparation, coaching sessions, and exchange meetings. During the intensive implementation phase, the time commitment may be higher. Organizing an event, in particular, may temporarily require around four hours per week.

By participating in the program, you commit to attending the core program activities and completing your project by the end of the program.

Whether you are studying, working, completing vocational training, attending school, or involved in other activities, Scimpact is open to everyone in Switzerland between the ages of 18 and 30 who wants to bring scientific perspectives into societal discussions.

You do not need any previous experience in science communication. What matters is your interest in scientific topics, your motivation to participate actively, and your willingness to develop and implement your own project.

Applications for the next cohort are now open here until September 26, 2026. The program starts in early October 2026.

October 6, 2026, 6:30–8:00 PM – Online Kick-off

October 10, 2026 – In-person Kick-off

Late October 2026 – Blog Workshop

November 2026 – Science Communication 101

January 2027 – Moderation Workshop

February 2027 – Stakeholder Workshop

February 2027 – Midpoint Meeting

March 2027 – Ethics Workshop

Early/Mid-April 2027 – Video Workshop

If you have any questions about the application, the content, or Scimpact in general, please feel free to contact Iris at any time. We look forward to hearing from you!

Over 140 fellows from more than 15 educational institutions have participated in Scimpact in six rounds. Since its launch in 2019, Scimpact has developed into an established support program that inspires young people to engage with the intersection of science and society.

The successes of our fellows speak for themselves:

• Over 70 inspiring events on current topics were organized—from discussion panels to lectures.
• In more than 45 workshops, skills in communication, moderation, and project management were expanded.
• 36 blog articles and podcast episodes were published to share ideas and research findings with the public.

The Scimpact Fellows were supported by over 30 experienced coaches who provided advice and assistance.

The project was made possible thanks to the support of the Wegweiser Stiftung.