Meet the Microbes - Organization of an Open-Door Event

17 September 2026, PASSED 23 April (Kick-off Session)

Prof. Saskia Bindschedler, University of Neuchâtel

Prof. Pilar Junier, University of Neuchâtel

Dr. Sarah Miéville, CUSO Mirobiology, University of Neuchâtel

Prof. Dr. Alexander Harms, ETH Zürich, Health Sciences and Technology; Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Adrian Egli, University of Zurich, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie; Prof. Laure Weisskopf, University of Fribourg, Department of Biology; Fabienne Estermann, (PhD), University of Basel, Center for Molecular Science

The objective of this activity is to collaboratively design and organize an open-door event on microbiology at the Faculty of Science, University of Neuchâtel. This event will be open to the general public and aims to make microbiology accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday life.

Participants will work together to define the event's theme and target audience, ensuring it reflects public interest and meets scientific outreach goals. The activity combines training in science communication with hands-on event planning, offering a unique opportunity to transform complex concepts into interactive experiences for non-specialists.

By participating, students will:

• Develop science communication skills: Learn to translate complex microbiology concepts into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences.
• Gain event design experience: Understand the steps involved in planning and executing a public science event.
• Enhance teamwork and collaboration: Work in interdisciplinary groups to co-create content and activities.
• Practice adaptability: Balance scientific accuracy with accessibility for non-specialists.
• Build confidence in public engagement: Interact with the general public and respond to questions in an approachable way.
• Network with experts: Benefit from insights shared by national speakers and science communication professionals.

Organizers will:

• Provide guidance and mentoring: Support participants throughout the event design and outreach process.
• Facilitate collaboration: Ensure smooth communication and coordination among participants.
• Share expertise in science communication: Offer best practices for engaging diverse audiences.
• Manage logistics and planning: Oversee timelines, resources, and event setup.
• Ensure quality and impact: Align the event with scientific outreach goals and institutional standards.

This activity provides participants with a real-world science communication challenge, fostering collaboration, creativity, and leadership skills while contributing to an impactful public engagement initiative!

**The primary language of the workshop will be English, but during outreach activities, French may also be used to ensure accessibility for the public.**

The program will include 3 main phases:

Kick-off Session (Full Day, In-Person, April 23, 2026)

National speakers and experts in science communication will share best practices for translating complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging messages for non-specialists. This session will lay the foundation for the event design, and preparation Sessions (Online, 2h each).

Program April 23

9.00 - 9.30 Welcome coffee and registration (Room B013)

9.30 - 9.50 Introduction and organization of the activity

9.50 - 10.20 Laure Weisskopf (UniFR)

10.20 - 10.50 Adrian Egli (UZH)

10.50 - 11.15 Coffee break (Room B013)

11.15 - 11.45 Alexander Harms & Fabienne Estermann (ETHZ)

11.45 - 12.15 Pilar Junier & Saskia Bindschedler (UniNE)

12.15 - 13.30 Lunch break (Room T001, main floor, south entrance, coffee in front of Room T103)

13.30 - 14.30 Workshop #1 : defining the message, i.e. scientific topic to address (Room T103)

14.30-15.00 Discussion 

15.00-15.30 Coffee break (Room T103)

15.30-16.30 Workshop #2: defining the approach, i.e. which means of communication?

16.30-17.00 Discussion and organization of the next steps

Online sessions (3 sessions) between May and October 2026, scheduled in agreement with participants and organizers.

These will focus on planning the event, developing content, and designing interactive activities for the public.

• 1st session online : May 28, 15:00

Final Session (Full Day, In-Person, October 2026 – date TBA)

• Morning: Event setup and final adjustments
• Afternoon: Public event featuring activities, demonstrations, and discussions to bring microbiology closer to society.

University of Neuchâtel (onsite & online)

Map

Reimbursements for CUSO Mivcrobiology Students: Train ticket, 2°class, half-fare from your institution to the place of the activity.

Reimbursement of your travel tickets can be asked online through your MyCUSO. See HERE for the procedure.

For any question concerning reimbursement please contact the CUSO Microbiologie Coordinator : Sarah Miéville

Cancellation Policy in case of cancellations, before the first deadline : free

Late cancellations (after 14.04.2026) or no-show: 150 CHF administrative fee 

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