In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more public engagement activities are moved to the virtual space. This holds new challenges and opportunities, yet some core questions remain the same: Who are our audiences and how can we communicate in interactive, accessible and inspiring ways? What are our main messages and what formats are suitable to aligning goals and audiences?

In this workshop, we are going to look at “purpose, people and process” with the aim of devising meaningful online engagement activities for diverse audiences. All participants are invited to rapidly prototype a science engagement activity related to their own research project. The workshop will consist of inputs, group discussion, reflective practice and work on own ideas.

Association ScienceCenter-Network has many years of experience in hands-on, interactive, dialogue-oriented science communication. As many other institutions alike, COVID-19 forced us to rethink our communication strategies and strengthen our efforts in online outreach.

• Barbara Streicher is a molecular biologist with long-term experience in science communication. As the Executive Manager of the Austrian Association ScienceCenter-Network, she fosters joyful learning experiences in open and engaging settings. Besides hands-on science center activities for various publics, she provides support, training and impulses for the Austrian network of more than 170 partners active in science engagement.

• Sarah Funk studied Development Studies at the University of Vienna. In 2012, she started working as a project manager in the field of science communication and public engagement. She curates travelling exhibitions, conducts research and runs professional development workshops for scientists, researchers and teachers with a focus on interactive science communication, inquiry-based learning and exhibit design.