Podcasting

This training, ran by Joris Van Damme, a renowned freelance audio and podcast producer, guides researchers through the complete process of creating a podcast episode based on their own research. Participants learn how to think in sound, write for the ear, and translate complex scientific ideas into compelling audio stories. The course combines narrative development with practical audio skills. Participants explore how to develop a strong podcast concept, shape a clear storyline, and build narrative tension that keeps listeners engaged. They work on character development, voice, and perspective, while learning to use sound—such as voice, ambient sound, and silence—as a storytelling tool.

Alongside the creative process, the training introduces the technical foundations of podcasting, including recording techniques, basic editing, and sound quality considerations. Participants analyze existing podcasts to understand what makes audio storytelling effective, and receive structured guidance throughout the production process. By the end of the training, participants will have created a complete podcast episode based on their own research, ready to be shared with a wider audience.

Learning outcomes

After having attended this workshop, participants will:

• be able to translate their research into a clear and engaging podcast concept;
• know how to think in sound and write specifically for audio;
• have insight into narrative structures, storytelling techniques and audio dramaturgy;
• be able to develop characters, narrative arcs and a compelling episode structure;
• be aware of audience-centred, inclusive and ethical science communication principles;
• be able to record, edit and finalize a basic podcast episode using appropriate tools;
• have confidence to independently continue developing podcast-based science
  communication projects.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• Interpersonal competences:
  
  • oral communication
  • presentation skills
  • stakeholder awareness
• Intellectual competences:
  • conceptual thinking
  • creativity
• Academic research competences:
  • valorization

For whom?

• PhD students & postdocs
• 3 places available

When & where?

• 3 sessions: 23/02, 02/03 & 20/04/2026 - 09:30-16:30 - Participation on all days is required!
  • Location:  SciMingo, Leopoldstraat 6, Brussels

Registration?

• Register here from December 12, 2025 until January 22, 2026.
• Please register only if you can attend all three days. 
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email after the registration deadline has passed.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'research management & communication skills' - workshop on general communication skills
• DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - one transferable skills course
• DS ST: category 'scientific & generic communication' - course about scientific or generic communication