PORTFOLIO

Journalists and science communicators today face increasing pressure to deliver trustworthy, engaging, and impactful stories amidst rapid technological advancements and rising public skepticism toward science and media institutions. Addressing these challenges, the 2025 Multimedia Lab for Journalists, hosted by Swissnex San Francisco, provides an intensive two-week program designed for established and emerging professionals in journalism and multimedia storytelling. Participants will enhance their journalistic projects by engaging with innovative storytelling techniques, advanced multimedia tools, and emerging technologies, including generative AI. Set within the Bay Area's dynamic innovation ecosystem – recognized globally for its pioneering approaches in technology and media – the program emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards, critical thinking, and balanced storytelling in an increasingly tech-driven journalism landscape.
Participants will take part in daily workshops, public events, and receive individualized mentorship from local experts and industry innovators, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies directly applicable to their work. The Multimedia Lab provides visibility through public presentations and Swissnex platforms, along with opportunities for networking and collaborative exchange. Selected applicants may receive financial support from the Gebert Rüf Stiftung. Ultimately, the lab aims to stimulate meaningful dialogue and innovative journalism practices, empowering communicators to effectively navigate and shape the future of media and public engagement.

Previous editions in 2023 and 2024 successfully equipped participants with multimedia storytelling skills, innovative ideas, and professional networks that strengthened their professional impact. Building upon these experiences, the 2025 Multimedia Lab for Journalists is structured into four phases. Phase 1 involves curriculum development, mentor selection, and outreach strategies (January–March 2025). Phase 2, from March to May, includes reviewing applications and selecting suitable participants. Phase 3 encompasses the implementation of the program, beginning with a kick-off and individual online check-ins in July, followed by an intensive onsite two-week session in August, featuring immersive workshops, mentorship, and public events. Finally, Phase 4 includes follow-up and reporting activities from September to December, during which feedback will be collected, outcomes evaluated, and follow-up engagement activities organized to ensure sustained impact and professional growth.
Currently, the Multimedia Lab for Journalists is actively progressing through phases 1 and 2, preparing curriculum details, outreach strategies, and the participant selection process. Participants are expected to acquire essential multimedia skills, generate innovative project concepts, and build strategic networks that strengthen their professional impact. Moving forward, the program aims to continue fostering partnerships with stakeholders across industries, service providers, and the public sector to support innovative journalism practices and maintain Swiss journalism’s competitive global edge.