06.10.2026 –, Room 2 Sprache: English
Trust in science is often discussed at the level of systems, institutions, and participation frameworks. Yet, how often do we examine the individual communicator as a central variable in building or eroding that trust?
This masterclass proposes a complementary, skill-based perspective: trust is not only designed into processes, but enacted in real time through communication. Drawing on the work of Yulia Talk Smart, this session focuses on the practical techniques that scientists and practitioners can use to communicate with clarity, credibility, and confidence across diverse audiences, including within citizen science contexts.
Led by an aerospace engineer and PhD in space radiation protection, with a background in competitive debating, the session bridges research experience and high-performance communication training. It addresses a common gap: while participants in citizen science projects are often highly engaged, they are rarely trained to articulate uncertainty, respond to challenges, or convey the value of their work in a way that fosters mutual trust.
Through a structured and interactive format, participants will explore:
• how confidence in delivery influences perceived credibility and trustworthiness
• techniques to communicate uncertainty without undermining authority
• strategies to engage diverse stakeholders (citizens, scientists, policymakers) in meaningful dialogue
• methods to structure messages that are both scientifically rigorous and accessible
• best practices for handling questions, disagreement, and scepticism in public-facing contexts
The masterclass combines short conceptual inputs with applied exercises, allowing participants to immediately test and refine their communication approaches. Examples drawn from high-stakes scientific environments and citizen-facing contexts will illustrate how small shifts in framing, tone, and structure can significantly impact trust-building outcomes.
By focusing on the individual communicator as an active agent in shaping trust, this session contributes a practical dimension to ongoing discussions in citizen science: not only whether trust can be fostered through participation, but how it is enacted, moment by moment, through communication.
Dr Yulia Akisheva is a communication expert and the founder of Yulia Talk Smart, a consultancy dedicated to helping STEM professionals master public speaking, effective communication, and team dynamics. With 10 years’ experience teaching at top universities, delivering workshops, and coaching individuals and groups, Yulia specialises in empowering technical professionals to communicate with clarity and confidence across all levels of expertise.
Yulia’s coaching method is goal-oriented and rooted in competitive debate and best public speaking practices. An award-winning aerospace engineer and researcher, Yulia holds a PhD in the Protective Use of Regolith for Planetary and Lunar Exploration and has contributed to advancing human spaceflight and radiation protection. Her unique combination of technical expertise and communication training makes her a trusted adviser for individuals and organisations seeking to enhance collaboration and impactful communication.
Find out more about your coach here: https://www.yuliatalksmart.com/