PhD Courses in Denmark

This course offers introductions to, exercises in and reflections on practice–based science education research and communication with a particular focus on practicing visual design and communication strategies, using artifacts in research and exploring research as more-than-representational communication.

A common challenge in academic research is how to mitigate between various forms of knowing. How may practice-based knowing be accounted for academically? This question addresses the relationship between research and practice - and is relevant for practitioner-researchers from across a range of fields: teachers, communication professionals, artists, designers, journalists, administrators, nurses etc.

The course interrogates the entanglements of making, doing, and knowing in academic work through practice-based projects, experiences and methodologies. Students will meet researchers and practitioners who will share their experiences and reflections. Furthermore, each participant is provided with the opportunity to work tangibly and concretely with his or her own research through communication and visual design, for instance by visualizing, drawing, designing, embodying, modeling, and writing. Exercises will be hands on, and we will employ props such as photographs, visual and physical artefacts in processes of making and translating knowledge.

Students will, among other things, gain insights into the methodologies of practice–based research, be capable of analyzing and discussing the specific advantages and challenges of applying practice–based research approaches in a PhD project and develop an understanding of and strategies for how practical experience can be integrated into academic knowledge production.

The course is co-funded by Naturfagsakademiet and hence has an orientation towards science education research, practice and communication. The course is open for all ph.d.-students and is open for enrollment of master’s students on the basis of availability.

Expected learning outcomes of the course:

• Integration of Practice-Based Methodologies: Students will develop a deep understanding of visual and creative communication, gaining the ability to use these methods within their own Ph.D. projects. This integration of scholarly research and practice will support them in developing new knowledge and skills and communicating their contribution to science education research.
• Enhancement of Communication Skills: Participants will practice how to make sense of complex research ideas through various mediums such as visualizations, drawings, and physical artifacts. Such communication skills support science education researchers in taking part in international discussions and to communicate their findings to diverse audiences, including non-experts.
• Development of Reflective and Collaborative Practices: Through hands-on exercises and collaborative projects, students will cultivate creative and reflective practices. This will support them in planning and conducting research projects in complex contexts.

Registration by email to: FNUG@sdu.dk

Deadline for registration is 10 September 2025.