The DILAN project aimed to change the way EU scientists interacted with the general public by equipping them with the digital language and communication skills needed to disseminate science online. To achieve this, the project focused on three main objectives. Firstly, it developed a robust digital curriculum informed by linguistic and digital literacy expertise to ensure that researchers could develop strategies in online science communication. Secondly, it designed and launched a sustainable virtual resource hub to host two user-friendly e-learning resources (a short course and a dedicated MOOC), reaching a wide European scientific community. Thirdly, DILAN enhanced researchers’ resilience and capacity to communicate science beyond the expert community. Multilingual trainer guidelines and cutting-edge AI algorithm based semantic analysis to identify contexts of international collaborative networks support the training, which ultimately aligns with the Open Access principles of civic engagement and science democratisation. Finally, to promote inclusivity, the project created a gallery of videotestimonials of women scientists that acts as peer-to-peer mentoring resources for other women scientists.
The DILAN project (Digital Language and Communication Training for EU scientists) was launched to meet the increasing demand for researchers to convey their findings efficiently on the Internet and in digital media. There is a recognized gap in formal training for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals regarding digital science communication and the use of social networks to disseminate findings. By addressing these training needs, the project sought to assist researchers in communicating their research to broad publics, providing them with strategies, digital tools and resources to develop their language and communication skills for online science communication. Additionally, the DILAN project focused on the gender dimension, specifically addressing the need to highlight and support female leadership and influence in scientific communication. The consortium applied for this Erasmus+ grant in order to take a structured, transnational approach to these challenges, drawing on the expertise of a variety of European higher education institutions and technology partners.