TRAINING // WP8 – Communication and Dialogue in Geoscience

About PanAfGeo+

“PanAfGeo+” for “Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology, Africa-EU Partnership” is a project which supports the training of geoscientific staff from African geological surveys through the development of an innovative training programme. This programme includes the acquisition and development of important professional skills that complement existing qualifications and technical skills. The training programme is carried out by world-class geoscientific experts coming from African and European geological surveys.

PanAfGeo+ is funded by the European Commission (DG INTPA). The consortium of PanAfGeo+ consists of EuroGeoSurves (EGS) and Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This programme allows trainees to acquire a state-of-the-art tool kit that contains methods and/or field work from eight geoscientific domains or work packages.

WP8 – Communication and Dialogue in Geoscience

This upcoming training focuses on building effective communication skills specifically tailored to geoscience. Participants will be guided through theory, discussion, and practical workshops aimed at creating real-world communication outputs. Download the call for applications here.

Training Topics

• Theories and types of communication
• Engagement and constructivism in science communication
• Writing, use of images and graphics, and visualising statistics
• Social media, press releases, and policy communication
• Storytelling for geoscience
• Audience targeting and message adaptation
• Monitoring communication outcomes
• Communicating with non-technical audiences
• Emotional dynamics in science messaging

Practical Workshops

• Crisis communication during mining rushes or natural hazards
• Public-facing science communication
• Advocating geoscience to policymakers

Participants will create a communication product related to their geological work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Better understand audience needs and communication strategies
• Apply empathy, listening, and storytelling to scientific topics
• Use appropriate formats, styles, and tools for diverse communication
• Develop a tailored communication plan

Return-to-Work Plan

All trainees will be required to design and present a short-term work-back plan. This plan should outline how the communication skills acquired will be applied in their home organisation. Where possible, trainees will also attend a PanAfGeo+ training in their own country and create a communication product related to it.

Eligibility and Profile of Applicants

This course is open to individuals who meet the criteria defined in the PanAfGeo+ Trainee Charter.

Costs Covered

This training is fully funded by the European Commission through the PanAfGeo+ programme. The following will be covered:

• Return international flight (from/to an African country)
• Visa costs (upon presentation of official receipt)
• Accommodation, meals, and training materials

Please note:

• No per diem or daily allowance is provided
• No reimbursement of health insurance is available
• Travel to the departure airport and insurance arrangements should be organised with your employer

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Signed Letter of Commitment (by employer)
3. Letter of Motivation
4. A copy of passport (valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Uganda).

All documents must be named using Latin characters and include your surname. Upload the documents separately on the portal.

Apply through the portal only: Register here

Deadline for applications: 05 August 2025, 24:00 GMT

The selection process will ensure balanced regional representation and gender diversity. Successful applicants will receive confirmation early to allow time for visa procedures.

Contact

For practical questions about the training:

• Krishnan Subramani Ramakrishnan – krishnan.subramani@eurogeosurveys.org
• Mahlatse Mononela – mmononela@geoscience.org.za

For general information about PanAfGeo+:

• EuroGeoSurveys – panafgeo@eurogeosurveys.org
• Organisation of African Geological Surveys – info-oags@oagsafrica.org

We look forward to receiving your application.