Remember that the audience, which will include science journalists and policy makers is keenly interested but not necessarily knowledgeable in your particular field.Thus, it is important to think quite differently about the communication style and be prepared to change from the style you would use in a conventional scientific meeting. Contextualise as much as possible, open up and give ample time for questions, comments and debate. It is also important to create, if possible, a ‘“lasting effect’”, i.e. to plan a follow-up, distribute results, hand out summaries or post session details online.

Please describe your session:

“Pro” and “Con” Debate - Two speakers are involved. One is assigned to speak for a certain belief or view-point and the other speaker against. It is essential that there is a certain element of respectful dialogue in a session of this kind in order to bring the topic forward. The session should be moderated by a third person with strong communication skills.

Workshop - Could be on any topic. It may be practically oriented or have a more theoretical content. It should be led by someone experienced in stimulating exchanges of views, and there should be a large degree of preparation including work material if necessary.

Discussion - One to three speakers set the stage with brief (5 minutes) opening presentations. Each speaker should have a different perspective on the subject, e.g. industrial, philosophical, economic or moral points of view. Thereafter the floor is open to an interactive dialogue with the audience.

Interview - An experienced interviewer has a dialogue in a personalised fashion with the interviewee. It can be quite informal but must of course be extremely well prepared.

Seminar – A session involving two to four speakers and an interactive educational dialogue with a participant audience.

Symposium - A session involving two to three speakers (if 1.15 hrs) or three to six speakers (if 2.5 hrs) with a broad audience addressed and a large attendance expected.

Other: It is also possible to choose any stimulating format that suits your proposal, but you must describe what you have in mind and give reasons why your chosen format is preferable to those listed above.