Wissenschaft im Dialog

Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD) promotes discussion and exchange on science and research in Germany and Europe. As a coordinator and partner of international projects and as a member of the European Science Events Association (EUSEA), Wissenschaft im Dialog has a wealth of experience in managing European projects and collaborating with European partner organizations. Since 19th May 2016, Managing Director Markus Weißkopf is president of EUSEA.

Strengthening science communication to broad audiences in Germany and Europe

WiD contributes to many EU-funded projects in order to promote science communication across borders. In the European project 2Ways, WiD worked with Science Festival organizers, universities and research groups from 16 countries. Together we identified topics in the life sciences such as neuroscience or genetic engineering and developed appropriate communication strategies. In addition, WiD contributed expertise to the three-year project PLACES which also aimed to enhance science communication to broad audiences across Europe. The MS Wissenschaft is a floating science center that travels the waterways of Germany and also visits cities in Austria and Switzerland. WiD has organised its exhibitions and tours since 2002.

Involvement in EU-funded Projects 

In our national projects and across borders we promote an intensive exchange between citizens and scientists and strengthen the dialogue about controversial topics. Our new and innovative communication formats provide citizens with the opportunity to discuss these topics and think outside the box. That is why WiD coordinates the European youth project Debate Science! European Student Parliaments which, after a successful first round, will run for a second time. About 2.000 students from various European cities debate with experts about controversial topics at the interface between science and society. The finals will take place during the pan-European science meeting EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), which was conceptualized as the European equivalent of the world's largest science event, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference. In 2006 WiD organized ESOF in Germany.

Citizen Science in the European society

Wissenschaft im Dialog is also active on the European level in Horizont 2020 funded projects. When it comes to Citizen Science, Wissenschaft im Dialog is one of nine partners from seven different countries that are working on the European research project CS-Track “Expanding our knowledge on Citizen Science through analytics and analysis”. Together, the participants are aiming to map the Citizen Science landscape in Europe, as well as to assess the potential and added value of existing projects. One of the goals is to then use these findings to draft practical policy recommendations for political actors in order to show how to better embed Citizen Science in the European society and economy.

By participating in projects such as the Horizon 2020 project NUCLEUS (New Understanding of Communication, Learning and Engagement in Universities and Scientific Institutions), WiD addresses the topical area of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). The goal of the project is to strengthen responsible research in Europe and beyond. 24 partners from Europe, Asia, and Africa are working together in order to adapt and improve communication patterns and procedures in science as a reaction to our increasing responsibility in today’s complex society.

Part of a European network

As a member of EUSEA, WiD is part of a network of over 30 countries and contributes to the exchange of experience in the field of science communication in Europe. In 2009 WiD took part in the EUSEA project WONDERS. In this project, the participating partner organizations presented creative ideas for effective science communication at science festivals in order to learn from each other. WiD also participated in the second round of WONDERS together with 31 partner organizations from 24 countries. Through working with partners to develop and implement new ideas for event formats, WiD addresses specific target audiences and creating innovative opportunities to bring citizens and scientists together. 

New formats of science communication, especially those involving participation, can be found on the science engagement platform that was established by WiD together with EUSEA partner organisations. The platform intends to offer inspiration and tools for science communication formats throughout Europe.

Your partner for projects in European science communication

How can we strengthen the exchange between citizens and scientists in Europe? How can we engage young Europeans in scientific topics and promote public debate in Europe? We want to use our expertise and strong network to find answers to these questions in collaboration with European partners. 

In order to build informed trust with the general public, deliberative and participatory measures and methods have become increasingly important in science and politics. Thus, WiD designs and organizes co-creation processes for science communication at a national and international level which engage scientists and citizens as well as various other actors involved in the subject area. The team at WiD is open to innovative ideas and can contribute experience to projects including through EU funded research programs such as Horizon 2020.

If you are interested in a cooperation, don't hesitate to contact Elena Tibi at Wissenschaft im Dialog: elena.tibi@w-i-d.de, Tel.: +49 30 2062295-65.