Storytelling with data

In this workshop participants are trained to communicate research in an engaging, accessible, and informative way for a lay audience. The workshop covers two main topics: (1) how to improve the visualization of data so that it is more appealing and accessible for the audience, and (2) how to translate complex scientific information into an engaging story

The following points will be addressed:

• Choosing the right chart for the data (e.g., data table, line graph, bar chart, pie chart, scatterplot, slope graph)
• Optimizing data visualization and reducing chart clutter
• Communicating science more effectively by applying storytelling techniques in oral presentations for a lay audience.

This workshop focuses on the visualization of quantitative data.

Learning outcomes

After having attended this workshop, participants will ...

• develop insight into how people perceive and process visualizations of data
• be able to discern between good and bad visualization of data
• be able to optimize charts to improve clarity and focus attention on the right elements
• understand the basics of storytelling and gain experience in applying storytelling techniques to science communication
• gain practical tips to become a more effective and engaging storyteller

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:

• Valorisation
• Presentation skills
• Oral communication
• Self-confidence
• Conceptual/synthetic thinking

For whom?

• PhD students and postdocs
• 12 places available 

When and where?

• June 15, 2026: 9:30-17:00
  • 1 hour lunch break: 12:30-13:30
  • Campus Hasselt: room FR-0.01
• June 26, 2026: 09:30-13:30
  • campus Hasselt, rooms FR0.01 + FR0.03

Registration?

• You can register here as from February 5, 2026 until May 18, 2026.
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• 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