Kernel Media Project
for the promotion of media skills
among young people
September 2025
InnoGarage Workshop: Between nature, science and journalism
University of Lausanne
InnoGarage Atelier du future – MagTuner – Cipel
Sept. 2025 - InnoGarage Workshop: Between nature, science and journalism
An Immersive Scientific Morning
On September 6, six young people aged 13 to 16 participated in the workshop “Creating the MyPlanet Newspaper” on the campus of UNIL.
The morning was both exciting and scientific: guided by Gabriel Cotte, a hydrologist at CIPEL, they conducted experiments and recreated wastewater purification processes, gaining hands-on insight into aquatic ecosystems and the challenges related to water management.
Discovering Scientific Journalism
In the afternoon, the participants explored scientific journalism: after a brief introduction to the profession, they reflected on how to communicate scientific topics and how to choose their audience.
Editorial Organization
The editorial team was structured as follows: a chief editor, a deputy chief editor, a visuals coordinator, and a production manager. During the editorial meeting, the team collectively decided on the orientation and tone of the newspaper. After assigning topics and tasks, the team voted on the cover design.
Creating the Newspaper
Together, the participants produced a four-page newspaper, combining interviews, investigations, reports, opinion columns, and feature articles, sharing their discoveries and raising awareness of both water-related issues and scientific communication techniques.
The finished newspaper was then printed and mailed to each participant.
My Planet Magazine 2025
Celebrating the beauty of the living world
From the River to the Lake, and Back
Science and Journalism Workshop
As part of a workshop combining science and journalism, young journalists explored the environmental challenges of Lake Geneva and the daily life of a young professional fisherwoman. Through observation, reporting, and publication, the workshop allowed participants to develop both scientific and journalistic skills, while raising awareness of local ecology.
Educational Objectives
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Introduce young people to journalistic practice applied to science and the environment.
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Develop skills in research, observation, interviewing, writing, photography, and layout design.
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Raise awareness of water protection and local biodiversity.
Produced Content
Journalistic portrait: Laura Fayet, a young independent fisherwoman and student in biology/nature management.
Narrative portrait of her typical day: fishing, preparation, selling, and promoting local fish.
Scientific and environmental articles:
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Lake Geneva: glacial origin, size, tributaries, and role for the population.
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Water treatment (STEP Vidy): treatment stages, observation of bacteria.
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Vegetation and pollution: role of riparian forests, impact of waste and plastics.
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Beavers: reintroduction and ecological role in rivers.
Approach and Methods
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Combination of interviews, field reporting, scientific observation, and popularization.
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Hands-on experiences: visits to the wastewater treatment plant, microscope observations.
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Layout and publication in MagTuner, including photos and illustrations.
Educational Assessment
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The objectives were achieved: every stage of scientific journalism was experienced.
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The participants demonstrated curiosity, rigor, and creativity in writing and layout.
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The workshop’s organization enabled a smooth transition from photography to writing and publication.
The workshop successfully combined practical learning, ecological awareness, and journalistic production, resulting in a coherent and comprehensive final product.