Creating a Scientific Documentary for the General Public – A Joint Workshop and Field Seminar

summer 2025

Dr. Lucas Vimpere, Earth Science Department, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva

Dr Giovan Peyrotty, SciencEscape association, Genève

Dr Giovan Peyrotty, SciencEscape association, Genève

Pierre Hynes, independent volcanologist and guide for Mount Etna

Scientific communication is a crucial aspect of science that remains underemphasised in the education of future researchers, despite its critical role in strengthening the fragile link between science and society. One of the most effective ways to convey scientific messages to the general public is through the power of images and words by creating captivating, aesthetic, and educational documentaries. This can be achieved without the need for cinema-grade equipment or multi-million budgets. This course aims to teach doctoral students how to create short documentaries by developing a storyboard, using video equipment outdoors, and utilising video editing software.

The proposed course will be conducted in three phases:

1. Geneva (16.-17.06.2025): Preparation of the storyboard and filming logistics at UNIGE.
2. Sicily (28.08.–01.09.2025): Filming the necessary footage to produce a short documentary about Mount Etna. The documentary will be divided into three main sections:
    
   • The geology of Mount Etna. Geological explanations of the origin of Mount Etna and its volcanic activity, illustrated by filmed sequences around the main crater. These visuals will highlight various geological features related to the volcano’s activity. 
   • Seismic and volcanic risks for the inhabitants. The significant tectonic and seismic activity of the region will be illustrated through explanatory sequences filmed on the origin of the uplifted deep sedimentary series visible in the Messina area (or elsewhere). An interview at the Catania Volcanological Observatory, where seismic activity is continuously monitored, will further enrich these explanations. 
   • The benefits of the volcano for the local population. The rich volcanic ash soils make Sicily a world-renowned wine region. This economic and cultural aspect will be highlighted through explanatory sequences filmed in vineyards near the volcano, along with interviews with local wine producers.
      
3. Geneva (27.–28.10.2025): Video editing at UNIGE with a professional videographer to compile the captured footage into a short documentary.

Regarding distribution, depending on the final outcome of the produced film, it may be screened during the ESPP day, shown in the geology departments of each involved university (depending on the organization and willingness of each institution), and submitted to scientific film festivals for potential selection (Global Science Film Festival, Swiss International Film Festival, Earth Futures Festival). The film will also be available to universities, museums, and schools as an educational resource.

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UNIGE et Sicile

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