Work Plan
The project cycle foresees 3 main phases :
Creation of the Advisory Board: the Board is made up of skilled journalists and expert communicators in European research, and is responsible for selecting students and monitoring the development of the project.
The implementation of 3 training sessions through the following activities and follow-up:
Selection of students: students are asked to send the application form together with a curriculum vitae (CV). On the basis of students’ background and capabilities, the motivation letter, the expression of interest, geographic distribution, gender parity, and preference for a research theme and the hosting lab, the consortium makes the selection through the Advisory Board. All possible efforts are ensured to reach the highest possible number of matches satisfying students’ interests as well as researchers’ needs.
Before arriving: students are briefed about the purpose of the project and the expected results of their mission. They are also asked to produce a detailed plan describing people they wish to interview, specific labs they want to visit, etc. This will allow the hosting organisation to arrange meetings and interviews or photo sessions.
On site: students are gathered into small groups (of 4-5) from different European countries and are assisted by project partners.
During the 5-day visit: students will observe researchers at work, attend press conferences, carry out interviews, take notes and pictures, and/or make videos. The material gathered will flow into their final article, audio or video production.
Before leaving: a final group meeting is planned, where students and research staff can exchange views on their experiences. Students are also asked to provide a one page “diary” outlining the most relevant aspects of their experience in the lab.
Within 15 days from their visits to the lab, students have to deliver their news work according to a format agreed before departure. Students will be encouraged and empowered by EJC to find ways to publish their work.
The final workshop in Brussels will feature project partners, representatives from media and the research labs, a group of the best RELATE students and EC officials. The final workshop will gather programme participants and sector experts to examine the results achieved and to weigh up the feasibility of similar projects in the future.
The students will be assessed by the Advisory Board, who will also provide recommendations based on feedback from students and researchers (experiences, difficulties, opinions, etc.) This appraisal will pave the way to future projects, informing students and researchers, the project management team and European Commission.
A symbolic award will be given to the most outstanding publication.
