Articles in English – Wissenschaftskommunikation.de

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Here you'll find all our English language articles. We feature opinions, interviews, discussions and summaries on current trends and topics in science communication. If you have questions or would like to contribute, please contact the editorial team: redaktion@wissenschaftskommunikation.de.

What topics are we covering?

The field of research on science communication is growing. In numerous empirical studies, researchers from various disciplines discuss topics such as the quality of communication and the public's trust in science. We approach research from a practical perspective and present selected results and debates. We also collect tips and guidelines for successful science communication, present projects and initiatives, describe ways into the job and ask researchers how they themselves communicate their science.

„Farmers need to be active actors in climate communication“

While scientists, policymakers and activists are very present in the climate dialogue, other voices are less likely to be heard. In her study, İlkay Unay-Gailhard from the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) analyzed how young farmers are using TikTok to get involved the global discourse on agriculture and climate change.

“Non-traditional formats and discussions can result in a more productive conference”

The 2023 Inclusive SciComm Symposium is the Metcalfe Institute’s third gathering. Dr Ana Porras, a member of the organizing committee, talks about the themes of the upcoming conference and the importance of opening up the field to the global community.

“Collective action allows us to put pressure on systemic forces”

In May 2020, a diversity task force was founded at an Ecsite conference. Now, #DiverSci has transformed into a movement encompassing international science engagement communities. Lewis Hou, founder of Science Ceilidh and volunteer at #DiverSci’s Community of Practice, shares his vision for a more equitable future.

“There is something about conspiracy theories that is just fun”

Conspiracy theorists are often seen as a homogeneous group of irrational and dangerous extremist believers. In his research on Reddit, Lars de Wildt found no evidence of rabbit holes and echo chambers. Instead, many people simply liked playing with alternative worldviews.

Symbolic image: lizard

Barriers of Climate Communication

What factors prevent junior climate scientists from becoming active in science communication? In this interview, Christel van Eck talks about five main barriers climate scientists have to face and what needs to be done to overcome them.

Is generative AI biased?

While the development of ChatGPT continues to evolve rapidly, there is an equal rise in headlines declaring that AI perpetuates racial and sexist stereotypes. Kaiping Chen and her team investigated how GPT-3 fared in conversations on controversial science topics as well as other social issues. In our interview, she shares their discoveries.

A feminist agenda for science communication

Do feminism and science communication go together? Bruce Lewenstein, professor of science communication at Cornell University, says: yes. He argues that integrating a feminist lens into science communication can be transformative.

“I didn’t even know my work was considered science communication”

How can street art reinforce a sense for environmental issues in local communities? Australian street artist BOHIE and communication scholars Blake Thompson and Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens reflect on their recent collaborative paper.

“Readers are not your hostages”

Writing effectively and engagingly about complex science topics can sometimes feel like a dark art. The Open Notebook, a free and open online resource, shares the behind-the-scenes of science writing. A conversation with Siri Carpenter on writing, generative AI and the future of science journalism.

“Bring your rainbow stickers and change the discipline we work in!”

Queer voices in science communication have been traditionally marginalized and silenced. Tara Roberson, co-editor of the new textbook “Queering Science Communication”, explains how radical inclusivity can foster innovation, increase empathy and what allies can do to support.

“It’s not just about science, it’s about the values”

Why do we need Indigenous science communication? Using Nigeria as an example, Temilade Sesan and Ayodele Ibiyemi explain where Western-style science communication reaches its limits and why it is important to refocus the attention on Indigenous knowledge and traditions.

A shared European effort for excellent science communication

There is a new kid on the block in the European science communication community. The COALESCE project consortium obtained funding from the European Commission to establish cooperative relationships all throughout Europe. Jason Pridmore, the project coordinator, shares his vision for the next steps.

“A lot of my colleagues from Turkey have to censor themselves.”

Gülay Türkmen, sociologist at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, has had many academic homes. Here she reflects on the scientific communities she experienced in Turkey, the US and Germany, communicating in different languages and her strategy to address sensitive issues.

Unlocking the Potential of Global Science Communication

Is a global center going to revolutionize science communication? An interview with science communication experts Jenni Metcalfe and Toss Gascoigne, who emphasize the importance of diverse cultures, knowledge systems, and inclusive approaches.

World of Colliding Visions

How does science communication in Latin America look like? Claudia Aguirre Ríos and Sergio de Régules highlight context-specific challenges, historical milestones, and scientific legacy in their guest article.

Creating Our Future – A national conversation on research in Ireland

How can the public get involved in science? Creating our Future called on people in Ireland to submit ideas for science in 2021. Ciara Cotter of the Science Foundation Ireland reports on the results and themes that emerged from the nationwide survey.

“Academic freedom is only in retreat if we retreat”

From the displacement of Ukrainian researchers due to the Russian war, the exclusion of women and girls from the Afghan education system and the silencing of dissenting scholarly voices in Turkey and Syria – the news is full of the violent targeting of academic communities. But there are also more subtle threats at play. Robert […]

“Often people communicate despite rather than thanks to the current policy.”

The Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science Robbert Dijkgraaf announced a new science communication centre in May 2022. Ionica Smeets and Alex Verkade, the coordinators of the new national centre, recently presented their action plan to the minister. We spoke with Ionica Smeets about the challenges they faced, the data they collected and their […]

„In the Arab world, people believe in science“

What are the main issues, challenges and debates in the field of science communication in the Arab world? Are there any differences compared to Western countries? Mohamed Elsonbaty Ramadan, co-founder of the Arab Forum of Science Media and Communication and vice president of the PCST Network, provides an overview of current issues and discussions.

„After the workshop the children are proud to speak more than one language“

For ten years, Native Scientists has aimed to break down barriers to science and give migrant children equal opportunities. Joana Moscoso, co-founder and director, talks about the value of language, the feeling of „giving something back“ and her plans for further professionalization.