Detailed information about the course

[ Back ]
Title

Communicating Science Through the Lens

Dates

3 December 2018

Organizer(s)

Dr. Sara Santi, CUSO Ecology & Evolution Coordinator

 

This activity is partly sponsored by the Organismal Biology doctoral program, University of Neuchâtel

Speakers

Prasenjeet Yadav, Photographer, National Geographic Explorer, Researcher

Description

In today's world, communicating science is as important as practicing it. We are seeing increasing investment in science and technology and a growing recognition for the contribution of these fields to society around the world. This makes it an exciting time, therefore, to share scientific findings with a broader audience, the society that contributes to the doing of the science. For this, it is important to communicate scientific research in accessible, non-technical forms without compromising the complexity of the scientific process.

Photography is unique among media (writing, speaking, film) in that it is a tool for both collecting and communicating data. A well conceptualized and created photograph has the ability to convey complex concepts, allowing it to be used alone or as a complement to other forms of communication. Learning the technical aspects of photography can enable researchers to document their data effectively while also aiding the communication of their results with a larger audience.

This one-day introductory workshop is for early career science practitioners who are studying biology and are keen to learn how to communicate science using photographs. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to both the technical and conceptual elements of science photography.

Goals for the workshop:
  • Empower emerging scientists to communicate their work using basic photography skills.
  • Demonstrate the core concepts of science storytelling such as distilling complex ideas and engaging with the audience
  • Inspire students to think beyond the academic world and understand the value of communicating science to the public
Workshop Structure:
  • Introduction to science photography and communication
  • Basic of photography techniques (Technical session)
  • Art of composing powerful images (Non-technical)
  • Classroom lectures paired with hands-on learning exercises
  • Critic session based on previous work and images shot during the workshop
Requirements:
  • Basic camera (One of the three: Point & Shoot, Prosumer, DSLR)
  • Tripod & Flash if availabe
Learning outcomes:
  • After this workshop, the participants will be able to think of their research in a visual manner
  • They will have a better understanding of technical skills needed to document their work
  • They will be able to think of their research as a visual story
About the speaker

Prasenjeet Yadav is a molecular ecologist turned photographer and a National Geographic Explorer. Prasenjeet holds a masters degree in molecular biology and has pursued research in molecular ecology for several years at National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India. Early in his scientific career, he realized that his real passion lay in storytelling. He now combines his experience in research with his photography skills to popularize ecological and conservation sciences in the wider society. Prasenjeet is one of the very few photographers who integrates science deeply into his photo stories. He chooses ignored subjects, landscapes, and species and find ways to develop engaging and accessible photos. For every story, he collaborates with researchers, managers, policymakers as well as conservationists. Along with the larger stories, he also produces stories that are directed at specific audiences who have the power to create lasting change. His previous projects helped bring light on sensitive issues such as climate change and its effects to high elevation Himalaya and effects of windmills on the surrounding ecosystems raising questions about how green is our green energy. He is a founder member of 'Shoot for Science' which is an initiative to train scientists in science communication. Under his explorer's project, he produced a story on the evolution of species in the Shola Skyislands of the Western Ghats which was published and exhibited at National Geographic, Telluride, Banff, NCBS, etc. He is represented by National Geographic Creative and is currently working in the Central Asia's high mountains and the Western Ghats of India. Prasenjeet's luggage is currently based in Bangalore, India and he is constantly on the move.

www.prasenjeetyadav.com

Location

University of Lausanne

Map

Map

Credits

0.5

Evaluation

Attendance and active participation

Information

When? 3 December 2018

09h00-17h30

Where? University of Lausanne

Batiment Amphipôle, room POL-202 (see below for the map)

What to bring?

  • Bring a camera if possible (technical information above)
  • Bring some of your pictures

Questions?

Sara Santi
@: [email protected]
Phone: +41 (0)26 300 88 91

Expenses
Reimbursement:

PhD students of the DPEE are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train (half-fare card, and 2nd class).

Please use the reimbursement form that will be distributed at the course, and give it back to the speaker.

NO reimbursement of your individual meal expenses - collective lunch is offered

Regarding reimbursement of accomodation, please contact the coordinator of the doctoral program (ecologie-evolution(at)cuso.ch) BEFORE the beginning of the course. NO reimbursement of accomodation without the agreement in advance of the course of the coordinator of the doctoral program

Registration
When you register, please comment on why you want to attend this workshop, what your expectations are and what is your level as a photographer.

CUSO PhD students: through your MyCUSO account - free

Other CUSO participants: through your MyCUSO account - 20 CHF for lunch expenses

External participants (non-CUSO PhD students, post-docs, etc...): use the icon "registration" at the top of this page and then the last gray box "non-CUSO student" ("personne hors myCUSO"). A registration fee will apply.

Places

15

Deadline for registration 28.11.2018
short-url short URL

short-url URL onepage