Abstract:

Lifelong learning is essential for adapting to the technological and sociological transformations of the labor market, enabling individuals to update and validate their competencies and manage their professional trajectories. In this context, micro-credentials have emerged as flexible instruments that certify specific competencies, enhancing employability, supporting talent development, and strengthening society’s capacity for innovation.

The European Union aims for 47 % of adults aged 25–64 to participate in learning activities within the previous 12 months by 2025, and 60 % to do so annually by 2030. Access to education and lifelong learning is considered a fundamental right and a foundation for personal fulfillment, employability, and active citizenship. Micro-credentials therefore provide adaptable training opportunities aligned with evolving professional and societal needs.

Scientific advances continue to transform quality of life, address global challenges, and support economic growth. Science not only explains the world but also improves it, contributing to fairer and more sustainable societies. However, only a minority of citizens express interest in science or technology, and a gap persists between interest and perceived understanding. Although trust in science remains high, society increasingly demands greater proximity, relevance, and responsiveness from scientific institutions.

These circumstances raise several questions: How can society better appreciate the value of science and technology? How can curiosity be fostered among young people who rely on technologies whose underlying principles they often overlook? And how can researchers—already facing demanding workloads—be encouraged to communicate their work in accessible and engaging ways? A major barrier remains the limited recognition of science communication as academic merit.

This work proposes a micro-credential designed to address these challenges by identifying key issues in scientific and technical communication and by providing strategies and tools for faculty and researchers to disseminate their work effectively in a hyperconnected environment. The program offers practical resources for improving communication processes and incorporates AI-based methods to optimize content creation and dissemination, promoting the translation of complex concepts into accessible narratives while integrating ethical best practices.

Furthermore, the micro-credential seeks to professionalize science communication within academia by equipping researchers with outreach skills for digital environments, exploring current formats and channels, and fostering public engagement toward more open, comprehensible, and participatory science. This approach enhances research visibility and strengthens the relationship between scientific practice and societal needs.

Finally, the program addresses the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies in academic outreach and encourages a critical understanding of AI’s role in communication. Its goal is not only to improve individual communicative practices but also to support institutional change in valuing the social transfer of knowledge. In doing so, it contributes to building a more informed, engaged, and resilient society, reinforcing the essential connection between science and citizenship.

Keywords:

Micro-credential, scientific and technical communication.