PORTEFEUILLE

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2023, Swissnex in San Francisco strives to enhance the thematic visibility of science communication for a new era in Switzerland and the United States. This fellowship program supports emerging and established talents in science communication to develop new ideas, practices, and models aimed at building open dialogues around science, society, and the wider issues facing us today. The project will focus on enabling multimedia productions as a contribution to the modernisation of science journalism and science communication at large.

As a program, it includes (a) a fellowship enabling science journalists and communicators to travel to San Francisco for 2 weeks to up to three months, (b) a science communication bootcamp, exploring different mediums, formats and applications enhancing the impact of communication, (c) public events and (d) other activities exposing fellows to the way Silicon Valley actors are leveraging new emerging technologies, as well as the collaborative mindset behind it. We see the program as an opportunity for us to build expertise and communities for the benefit of the entire Swiss SciComm ecosystem, and beyond, as trust in science is a key pillar of democracy. We will strive for synergies with all the other Swissnex programs related to technology and societal change, in particular the residency program with Universities and some private companies at Pier17.
The 2023 bootcamp brought together 13 participants for a 2-week intensive program focused on honing multimedia storytelling skills and developing impactful projects on pressing issues. Through hands-on workshops, networking events, and mentoring from Silicon Valley experts, participants gained new mindsets, skills, and connections to create engaging digital experiences that inspire action. Selected participants will continue developing their projects with ongoing support from Swissnex.