The Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (CSRS) and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) co-organized this year’s summer school on ‘Communicating science to specific target-audiences’ that took place from 26th to 30th September 2016 in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. The event was funded by Afrique One-ASPIRE and the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE).

A group of almost 20 participants composed of scientists and journalists from Tanzania, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire invested energy and time to strengthen their communication capacity. How to develop a communication plan, writing a policy brief, the use of social media, scientific writing for scientists and non-scientists, appropriate poster design and sharpening interview skills with media and VIPs were among the different training modules presented.

Dr Christian Heuss, Head of Communication and Public Relations at Swiss TPH, was the principal trainer supported by Professor Bassirou Bonfoh, Director of CSRS and Afrique One-ASPIRE, and several scientists and employees of the CSRS. All trainers across all communication activities were unanimous on the importance of defining the target audience and conveying a key message.