400016 SE Contemporary Challenges for Science Communication (2024W)

Lehrende: Jana Egelhofer

In a time of rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, effective science communication has become more crucial than ever. Ideally, science communication serves as a bridge between the scientific community, relevant stakeholders, and the general public, facilitating informed decision-making, public engagement, and policy development. However, scientists and science communicators are currently faced with several technological, media-related, and political trends that represent challenges to effective science communication.This seminar aims to explore the dynamic and complex field of science communication within the context of contemporary challenges such as misinformation, politicization and polarization of science, the use of artificial intelligence in science communication, anti-intellectualism and mistrust towards science, as well as (online) harassment of scientists and science communicators. This theory seminar invites PhD candidates of different disciplines to critically reflect on these trends through the lens of their own research. It will combine theoretical discussions with practical case studies and interactive activities to provide PhD students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies, ethics, and impacts of communicating science across diverse platforms and audiences.