| Schedule | Registration |
|---|---|
| June 2026 - July 2026 Dates | Deadline: 22 May 2026 Registration Instructions |
Course for relAI MSc and PhD students led by Katherine Gorman | |
Course Outline
Abstract
This interdisciplinary communications course addresses the critical gap between artificial intelligence research and public understanding. Designed for MSc and PhD students of the relAI Zuse School, the course explores how to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences while examining the cultural, ethical, and societal implications of relAI technologies. Participants will engage with fundamental questions about relAI representation, public perception, and the responsibility of researchers to engage meaningfully with society. The course combines theoretical frameworks from science communication with practical skills development, preparing the next generation of relAI researchers to be effective communicators and thoughtful contributors to public discourse about artificial intelligence. The course will consist of several group discussions. The first weeks focused on consuming new information, followed by presentations and receiving practical feedback on a communications piece each student will prepare.
Course Plan
Lectures Sessions:
Monday, June 1st: 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM. Online Session.
Wednesday, June 3rd: 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM. Online Session.
Friday, June 5th: 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM. Online Session.
- Foundations of AI Communication
- The Communication Challenge in AI
- Current state of AI public understanding
- Common misconceptions and their origins
- Theoretical Frameworks
- Media representation and framing effects
- The deficit model vs. dialogue model of science communication
- Communication approaches and Mediums
- Visual Communication of AI
- Analysis of AI imagery in media and academia
- The problem of anthropomorphic representations
- Robots, Voice assistants and gender stereotypes
- Alternative visual metaphors for AI concepts
- Public Attitudes Toward AI
- Research findings on public perceptionCultural differences in AI acceptance
- Fear, hope, and the spectrum of public response
- Communicating uncertainty and limitations
- Ethics and Responsibility in AI Communication,
- The researcher's role in public engagement
- Balancing optimism with realistic expectations
- Communicating uncertainty and limitations
- The Communication Challenge in AI
Presentation Sessions: June 29th to July 3rd, Online Sessions.
- Presentation and Critique
- Each student will present their piece in their selected medium to the larger group and receive constructive feedback in the style of an editorial workshop
How to join
Register by 22 May 2026 in this form.