Die Anmeldung beginnt erst am 02.10.2026 um 08:00 Uhr. Sie endet am 12.10.2026 um 23:59 Uhr

This course addresses why we should care about careful science communication.

We will discuss general aims of science communication. This includes whether and how public audiences care about science, how much they trust science and when and why it is warranted to trust science. We will then delve into the history of science communication, who started it, why, and in what parts of (historic) societies. We will discuss early formalised models of science communication, from during and post Second World War times and reflect on what we can still learn from those for science communication today.

We will then examine how to find out whether science communication is effective for connecting science and society, drawing on the ‚science of science communication’: The science of science communication offers guidance on how we can use empirical research methods, such as interviews, surveys and experiments for finding out about communication needs. Its’ aim is to find out what potential target audiences of science communication want and need to know; with the aim of making science communication more effective.

This will be followed by an overview of ‚how to‘-communicate science. Starting with a granular focus, we will examine empirical research about the (effective) use of numbers, verbal language and graphs. We will then discuss the different channels that can be used for communicating science, such as personal conversations, press releases, online resources, talks, exhibitions, games, … The course ends with a view onto mis- and disinformation spread about science and on what we know about how to effectively counteract misinformation.

Examples throughout the course will mostly relate to sustainability and health. Where possible, the course includes interactive elements, such as a workshop on how to talk about polarised scientific topics with skeptical peers, gamified approaches, and practical exercises for finding out whether communications are suitable for intended target audiences.

Besides an exam, students will implement a small project on science communication. They are invited to start early on in the semester, so as to be able to seek feedback from others before the course ends.

Students will acquire the following skillset:
1. Research methods for finding out how and what to communicate to different target audiences
2. How to communicate science in transparent and understandable ways, by using graphs, numbers and language that people can understand
3. Insights into some social and cognitive mechanisms driving (mis)perceptions and behavioural responses to scientific insights
4. Different tools and channels for communicating scientific insights
5. Understand the nature of mis- and disinformation, and interventions for counteracting misinformation about science

Weitere Informationen zur Lehrevaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/lehre/qualitaetsmanagement/evaluation/lehrveranstaltungsevaluation.html