Pitching for impact: The Aureus Nova Scientia Prize finalist training
Pitching for impact: The Aureus Nova Scientia Prize finalist training
12 May 2026, 9h00 - 17h
General context
Great science deserves great storytelling, especially in high-stakes competition. This dedicated training supports finalists of the Aureus Nova Scientia Prize in preparing a powerful pitch and maximizing the impact of the Q&A.
This dedicated session helps you translate your work into a compelling narrative, support it with effective visuals, and deliver a confident live online presentation. You'll learn how to tailor your message to the jury while clearly differentiating your pitch from other finalists.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:
Identify the core message of their presentation/work/research and build a clear storyline tailored to the Aureus Nova Scientia Prize jury.
Structure a high impact pitch.
Apply visualization techniques to support and enhance narrative.
Make strategic choices to differentiate from competition.
Apply effective online presentation techniques, including voice, posture, framing, pacing, and on-camera presence.
Refine delivery through feedback and guided self-assessment.
PowerPoint
Other tools are available and participants are encouraged to use what they are comfortable with (i.e. Canva, GIMP, Inkscape, Google slides, etc).
Even though I’ve been presenting for years in different settings, the training still offered a lot of useful insights and practical exercises that helped improve my own presentation skills. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who presents to an audience, no matter how experienced they are.
Gonzalo Cordova
The training went beyond my expectations. In fact, this the 4th or 5th training I have taken on this topic and so far it has been the most useful one. The format with live exercises was extremely useful.
Jessica Vargas
Trainers
Matheus Lourenço
Matheus Lourenço is a science communication expert and trainer at VIB. A behaviour change specialist and Marie-Curie fellow with a joint PhD in Psychology from KU Leuven and Maastricht University, he pioneered innovative methodologies in tinnitus treatment and gathered accolades for his ability to make complex scientific approaches accessible to diverse audiences.
After completing his PhD, Matheus worked as a consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies, delivering strategic workshops worldwide. Now back in academia, he is committed to empowering researchers to communicate their work with clarity and impact, thereby strengthening the connection between science and society.
Program
Welcome and introduction
Audience selection and storyline creation
Break
Visualizing your storyline
Lunch
Public speaking theory
Break
Public speaking practice and feedback
Stage time (day to be determined in agreement with participants)
Presentation and feedback moment
Time TBD
Practical info
12 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
12 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
12 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
12 May 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.