Fields of action
Founded in 2000, Wissenschaft im Dialog has steadily expanded its activities and focuses on the following five fields of action.
Broad Communication
WiD addresses groups of all ages and educational backgrounds with discussions, exhibitions, school projects, competitions and other activities. In the meantime, WiD can rely on the comprehensive scientific competence of its shareholders and partners. The activities in this field of action do not only serve the purpose of information. They do also highlight the importance of science for society and facilitate an informed exchange about central scientific topics.
WiD has been sending off the exhibition ship MS Wissenschaft since 2002. The floating science center crosses rivers and channels and takes science to people across the country. The project “Jugend Präsentiert” invites students to present complex relationships in natural sciences in a comprehensive manner, while captivating others with their enthusiasm.
Here you can find all broad communication projects
Dialogue about controversial topics
Science communication not only imparts scientific information to the public, but also illustrates the research process, points out risks and chances and puts results in the broader picture of societal contexts. Last but not least, WiD hosts and develops formats for the general public to debate about controversial topics and to verbalise their expectations towards science.
The project “Wissenschaft kontrovers” fosters the dialogue between the public and scientists in fishbowl discussions, science cafés and varying online-formats on current scientific topics. “Die Debatte” takes scientific findings and perspectives into the public discourse. In online- and live-formats, the project initiates discussions on controversial topics such as genome editing, the Covid-19 pandemic, or using drones in public spaces.
Here you can find all projects in the area of dialogue about controversial topics
Experimental science communication
As the organisation for science communication, WiD also wants to promote new ways of exchange between science and society. This is why WiD develops new event formats and adapts formats of other areas to science communication. It aims at directly addressing different audiences, facilitating discussions and participation, while making the fun of science and the enthusiasm of scientists tangible.
The project “Make Your School” brings hackdays to schools. Not only does this contribute to digital education, it also supports establishing a new, open and scientific learning format. The video-contest “Fast Forward Science” aims to make video formats as a way of communicating science popular.
Here you can find all projects in the area of experimental science communication
Platforms for exchange of experiences
There are many different actors in science communication, including staff in communication departments of research institutions and universities and members of science centers just as much as science journalists and communicating scientists. WiD offers a platform for networking and promotes the development of science communication.
The “Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation” has become the biggest event regarding science communication in the German-speaking area. The online portal wissenschaftskommunikation.de is a central platform for information and discussions for everyone communicating science.
Here you can find all projects in the area of platforms for exchange and experiences
Quality and transfer
This area focuses on questions of good and effective science communication. Do the formats reach their target audience? What impact do they have? We work together with partners in science and research to accumulate scientifically backed knowledge about the quality and the impact of science communication and make this knowledge applicable.
In exchange with researchers and practitioners, the “Impact Unit” develops an online platform providing materials and tools for evaluation. The project aims to contribute to conclusive evaluation practice and provide knowledge about the impact of science communication.
Here you can find all projects in the area of the quality of science communication and focus on impact
WiD also imparts the know-how about science communication in workshops. If you are interested, reach out to Michael Wingens (workshops@w-i-d.de).