Taking your first steps in science communication

Science and research are highly relevant for society – not least in times of global challenges and crises. The starting point for communicating scientists is always their own work. Science communication should aid understanding of research/research processes and strengthen trust in science. Science communication can therefore be defined as the sharing of scientific content and work with the public, and should be easy for the addressees to understand without prior/specialist knowledge.

As a scientist, you can report on your research, i.e. new findings, areas of application, or in general about scientific work or a research project. You can make reference to current affairs and put debates into context with your expertise.

Further helpful reading (German only):

Science communication basics

Science communication in project funding

Science is perceived as complex and in need of explanation. Dialogue and direct exchange between researchers and the public break down barriers and promote credibility. Science communication raises the public profile and increases recognition of researchers, and gives them the opportunity to talk about the importance of their work for society. Dialogue with interested parties outside your own specialist community also offers mutual benefits: Impulses from society generate new perspectives and can feed into your own research or give rise to new research questions. Public funding providers have now also recognised this and science communication is becoming increasingly relevant in funding proposals.

Further helpful reading (German only):

Five reasons for science communication in research projects

Position paper on good science communication published by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Scientists at all stages of their career can communicate about their research. The options vary, depending on their level of experience. Doctoral researchers can make a start by providing insights into their research via social media or taking part in a science slam. Through good science communication, more experienced scientists can establish a reputation as an expert in their specialist field, raise their media profile and make relevant contacts in society, politics or business.

Everyone at MUHS who would like to get involved in science communication can find advice and support to help them realise their ideas on this page and at the Public Engagement Unit.

Further helpful reading (German only):

“Doctoral researchers – start communicating!”

Science communication can potentially be directed at all interested parties. However, to ensure optimum presentation of their research, communicators should ask themselves who they want to reach and via which means. Any researcher who talks about e.g. children’s illnesses in a podcast is addressing a specific target group: parents, families and possibly also employees in nursery/childcare facilities, schools and hospitals. The precise definition of the target group is therefore key to successful science communication, as it is the only way to ensure that content, language and communication form/media are optimally tailored to the needs, interests and prior knowledge of the addressees.

Further helpful reading:

“Science for all” fact sheet

When starting out in science communication, researchers should define a strategy to ensure they communicate effectively and consistently. They should answer the following questions:

• Which objective(s) would I like to achieve with my communication?
• Who is my intended audience?
• What content/aspects of my work or research would I like to share?
• Via which medium would I like to communicate (social media, podcast, events, etc.)?
• Practical implementation: What resources would I like to/can I invest (time and, where applicable, financial resources)?
• Unique selling point: What sets me apart from others as a researcher? Where do my strengths lie and what might be of particular interest?

Further helpful reading (German only):

25 communication tips from the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik)

Overview of networks, publications, podcasts & events on science communication

Overview of systematisation for formats and target groups in science communication

Science communication is a broad field. Nevertheless, it is now generally accepted that the focus should lie on mutual exchange. In recent years, science communication has thus developed from a more one-way dissemination of knowledge (e.g. lecture, panel discussion) to formats in which individuals from outside academia can get actively involved, take part in debate or contribute their own ideas (e.g. fishbowl, science café, debate forum). Without established formats losing their validity, we feel it is therefore important to open up opportunities for participation wherever possible. In this context, citizen science and participatory research are becoming increasingly important. The Citizens’ University provides more information here.

Further helpful reading (German only):

Overview of various event formats

There are many external platforms and stakeholders in science communication providing useful information, basic knowledge and valuable advice. You can find an overview here:

• National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik): NaWik explains the basics of good science communication to researchers, students and communicators, and offers various training formats.
• WissKon: The NaWik network for science communicators, which provides opportunities for exchange with other researchers as well as advice and conferences relating to science communication.
• Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD): WiD (“Science in Dialogue”) was established by leading science organisations in Germany for the purpose of science communication and offers training programmes as well as networking and communication formats.
• Wissenschaftskommunikation.de: A platform established by “Wissenschaft im Dialog”, the National Institute for Science Communication and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, which serves as a central information and discussion portal for science communicators.
• Videos: science communication basics: You can find a series of short, English-language video tutorials on the basics of science communication provided by the Global Young Academy (GYA) and NaWik on YouTube. The videos offer a practical guide and aim to encourage people to get communicating. The GYA is an international academy for young scientists based at the Leopoldina German National Academy of Sciences in Halle (Saale).

It is a good idea to maintain an overview of existing science communication formats and projects to gain inspiration and ensure you stay up-to-date. You can find a selection here:

• Science podcasts portal: This website provides an overview of knowledge and science podcasts in German-speaking regions whose primary aim is to share knowledge. You can also register your own podcast for inclusion in the portal.
• Projects realised by Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD): WiD develops innovative networking and communication formats. You can find an up-to-date overview here.
• Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation: The Forum is the largest specialist conference for science communication in German-speaking regions and is held annually at different venues.

MUHS offers a wide range of successful science communication (event) formats. As researchers or communicators, it makes sense for you to get involved or collaborate in them. Please contact us if you are interested. You can find a selection here (please note that some of these websites are only available in German):

• Science slam hosted by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: Similar to the well-known poetry slam format, participants give short presentations about a scientific phenomenon or something from their research. At the end, the audience decides which slam was the most entertaining. You can find more information here.
• Real or fake: In this format, scientists present curiosities from the world of research and the audience has to decide whether they are “real or fake”. You can find more information here.
• Interactive public philosophy project “denXte”: At denXte events, renowned philosophers present current social and scientifically relevant issues in the form of thought experiments. The format is interactive, with the audience able to get involved and join the debate. In 2022, denXte was honoured with the prestigious Communicator Award. You can find more information here.
• Night of Science: The Night of Science is held every two years on Schadowplatz and at the Haus der Universität (“University House”). MUHS and other knowledge institutions present their research live to everyone interested in science. You can find more information here.
• Pint of Science: During this annual international science festival, research is presented in numerous university cities. In pubs, bars and restaurants, scientists provide insights into their research in a relaxed atmosphere. You can find more information here.
• Soapbox Science: Women and non-binary scientists get on their soapboxes in public places to present their research. The event takes place worldwide once a year. You can find more information here.
• Research and teaching podcasts: You can find an overview of current MUHS podcasts here.

We have put together various offers to support our scientists and communicators at MUHS in their science communication activities (please note that some of these websites are only available in German):

• We offer free training sessions multiple times a year. They cover topics such as content creation on social media, science communication basics, storytelling and innovative formats. You can find our training offers here.
• Twice a year, we award up to €1,000 for individual science communication projects. These may include videos, blogs, exhibitions or innovative events. You can find everything you need to know about our science communication funding pool here.
• Our newsletter provides regular updates on current developments, funding opportunities and important events in the areas of science communication and citizen science. It is published 3 – 4 times a year and aimed at everyone at MUHS who is interested in these topics. You can register here.
• Our Citizens’ University programme is published twice a year – in spring and autumn. The programme includes events from all areas of the University and promotes dialogue between science and society. Please contact us if you would like to get involved. You can find more information about the programme here.
• Citizens’ University blog: In our blog, we showcase a variety of teaching, science communication and citizen science projects. Please contact us if you would like to contribute. You can find the blog here.

• The Press and Communications Unit coordinates and organises press and public relations work at MUHS. You can find more information on the Unit here.
• The Events, Marketing and Fundraising Unit develops concepts for and plans all central events at MUHS, including the Campus Fair, the University Information Day and the Night of Science. You can find more information on the Unit here.
• The Junior Scientist and International Researcher Center (JUNO) offers an interdisciplinary qualification and training programme for postdocs, junior research group leaders and assistant professors. You can find more information here.