Session programme

EPEC – EPEC Events

EPEC1

May it be with peers, with the public or with stakeholders, the duties of a scientist require them to develop soft skills in communication. This workshop will follow the path of a scientist from their first conference, to their first press releases, and we will discuss practice some of the essential communication skills along that path. Intended to offer an overview rather than an in-depth training of a specific skill, this workshop will tackle various topics such as abstracts writing, networking with peers, poster efficiency and interactivity, talk preparation and stress management, interacting with the public at event (and how to deal with science deniers or sceptics) or with stakeholders, how does a press release work and how to interact with the media, etc. The workshop will be punctuated with exercises which do not require preparation beforehand.

Public information:

This workshop is open to everyone, not just early careers.

FAQ:

How long will the workshop be?

The while workshop will be approximately 2h15-2h30 with 15 minutes break in the middle. It will finish on time for attendants to be able to join the Ice Breaker session of EPSC-DPS. 

 

My flight is too late and can’t reach for the beginning of the workshop – can I join mid-way? 

Definitely yes! As the workshop goes skill by skill, you can still join during the workshop and will not need the beginning to follow along!

 

Can I attend online? 

Most likely not, we will check the technical possibilities but the exercises will not be possible online for sure.

 

Is this for early-career scientist only?

Definitely not! Although early-career might have less experience and might benefit further from this workshop, advanced career scientists can still beneficiate from some refresher and update on tools, etc. Furthermore, this workshop might help supervisors identify key elements that have become intuitive with experience – so they can better help their students in developing their communication skills.

 

Do I need to prepare anything for the workshop?

No at all. All exercises require only your brain and no other material.

That being said – it might be useful for you to get a copy of your abstract or poster to think about how to improve them along the workshop.

If you want to volunteer, you can send a pdf of your poster beforehand at thibaut.roger@unibe.ch and we might use for exercises. The goal is not to comment the design nor the content but only to provide feedback on how to make the poster more interactive.

 

Will I be able to deliver a perfect talk or poster afterwards?

Definitely not! Any workshop pretending the contrary is scamming you – there is not a unique way to do communication. Appreciation of a talk or poster is very subjective for several aspects and thus you can never make something that everyone will like. Yet, there are objective elements we will discuss and that you can take into account when designing a poster or talk, such as accessibility, etc.

 

Will this workshop improve my communication skills?

Definitely yes! Even when being a natural for communication, practice never hurts to improve even further.

Conveners: Nimisha Verma, Thibaut Roger, Aurelie Van den Neucker, Jules Bourdelle de Micas
SUN-WS1 |
Sun, 07 Sep, 13:30–16:30 (EEST)
 
Room Triton (room 24)
Sun, 13:30
EPEC2

This meeting will introduce the Europlanet Early Career (EPEC) network at EPSC. We will present EPEC’s activities and upcoming early-career events. Meet the volunteer team, ask questions, and learn how to get involved. Its the perfect way to connect, share ideas, and grow within the Europlanet community, also outside EPSC.

Conveners: Aurelie Van den Neucker, Jules Bourdelle de Micas, Nimisha Verma, Jessica Hogan
MON-OB3 |
Mon, 08 Sep, 12:00–12:30 (EEST)
 
Room Sun (Finlandia Hall)
Mon, 12:00
EPEC3

Speed science-ing is a fast-paced, engaging event where early careers will have the opportunity to engage in short, timed discussions with different experts or enthusiasts in various scientific fields in a rotating manner. It’s a fun way to explore new ideas, ask questions, network and spark curiosity in a social setting.

Conveners: Aurelie Van den Neucker, Nimisha Verma, José Silva, Jules Bourdelle de Micas
TUE-OB3 |
Tue, 09 Sep, 11:30–12:30 (EEST)
 
Room Triton (room 24)
Tue, 11:30
EPEC4

A gathering of experts on a specific topic for a discussion with a conversational tone. The goal is to expose aspects that are relevant for our audience on the broad topic of career management. This year we intend to approach the subject of relationship between industry and research and how it might affect the path of early careers.

Conveners: José Silva, Devanshi Kacholia, Aurelie Van den Neucker, Jules Bourdelle de Micas
TUE-OB7 |
Tue, 09 Sep, 18:00–19:30 (EEST)
 
Room Neptune (rooms 22+23)
Tue, 18:00
EPEC5

This panel discussion brings together early career and seniors from ESA and NASA to share insights, career advice, opportunities for early career professionals in space science. Perfect for aspiring scientists, engineers, and researchers eager to make their mark in the space industry.

Conveners: Aurelie Van den Neucker, Jules Bourdelle de Micas
WED-WS1 |
Wed, 10 Sep, 13:30–15:00 (EEST)
 
Room Neptune (rooms 22+23)
Wed, 13:30
EPEC6

A chance for early career scientists to practice presentation skills in a very relaxed, informal setting amongst their peers. Consists of a short presentation about a chosen topic with a maximum of 3 slides, with no text allowed. Presenters may bring an item/prop to assist them. Prizes available for the winners!

Conveners: Thomas R. O'Sullivan, Varuna Deopersad, Jules Bourdelle de Micas, Aurelie Van den Neucker
THU-WS1 |
Thu, 11 Sep, 18:00–19:30 (EEST)
 
Room Neptune (rooms 22+23)
Thu, 18:00
EPEC7

After an intense week of science and sessions, what about getting some rest with the other early-careers around a drink? Join us for a relaxed evening at Juttutupa Bar, just a 20-minute walk from the conference center (Säästöpankinranta 6a, 00530 Helsinki). Enjoy good company, local drinks, and a taste of a true Finnish after-work vibe (Sauna not included). Let’s wrap up the week the Finnish way! No registration is required, just come and expand your network!

Location: Juttutupa Bar, Säästöpankinranta 6a, 00530 Helsinki

Conveners: Thomas R. O'Sullivan, Jules Bourdelle de Micas, Aurelie Van den Neucker
THU-OB8 |
Thu, 11 Sep, 19:30–23:59 (EEST)|Juttutupa Bar (Helsinki city centre)
Thu, 19:30