This seminar is open to all, but participants in Vísindavaka 2026 ar encouraged to register and attend.

Humans are naturally drawn to stories. Research shows that storytelling is one of the most effective ways to communicate information, engage audiences, and inspire action.

In this hands-on course, you will learn practical storytelling techniques that can be adapted to a wide range of purposes and audiences. Whether you are a researcher speaking to the media, a science communicator engaging with the public at a science fair, or an entrepreneur pitching an idea to potential investors, this course will help you develop the presentation skills needed to communicate your message effectively.

You will learn how to craft compelling narrative hooks and story arcs, and you will have the opportunity to test and refine your ideas in a supportive, peer-learning environment. Practical in focus, the course will prepare you for events such as the Science Slam, the Icelandic Night of Science (Vísindavaka), and Innovation Week (Nýsköpunarvikan).

The seminar will be conducted in Icelandic or English, depending on the needs of the participants.

Participants can attend the seminar on location or via ZOOM (Link to ZOOM).

Agenda*

• 13:00-13:15 Logistics and intros

• 13:15-13:30 Helstu nauðsynjar í vísindamiðlun, Jean-Paul Bertemes, head of Science in Society at Luxembourg National Reserach Fund (on Zoom).

• 13:30-13:45 Q&A

• 13:45-14:00 Why storytelling is vital, Toby Erik Wikström, Project Manager at UI Center for Advanced Studies.

• 14:00-14:30 Think: Individual work on storytelling hook and presentation

• 14:30-14:45 Break

• 14:45-15:00 Pair: peer feedback on presentation

• 15:00-15:50 Share: presentations to group audience with feedback

• 15:50-16:00 Summary and next steps

Click here to register

*The agenda could change