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Call for Proposals

Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation

Thematic Focus

„Wissenschaftskommunikation für eine starke Demokratie und offene Gesellschaft“ (Science communication for a strong democracy and open society)

A strong democracy is not just a construct, a form of government or a political system; it is our basis for the free development of the individual. Free science and research is an indispensable element of modern democracies. Anti-democratic calls - whether on the street, on the Internet or even in the German Bundestag - are directed against our freedom, our values and our rights. Unfortunately, these calls are not only becoming louder and more numerous around the world and here in Germany, but are also leading to concrete shifts in political conditions. Ultimately, they are detrimental to social progress, especially as a multitude of talents and ideas are needed to overcome the current challenges.

The Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation 2024 will address the role of science communication in modern societies and discuss the contribution science communication can make to strengthening democracy. 

We look forward to a wide range of contributions to this year's focus. 

Submissions can relate to the following topics and key questions, but are not limited to these:

2024 - a year of election(s)

Whether in the USA, India, South Africa or the European elections: Many people are being called upon to vote this year - and political upheavals are already emerging in many places: How resilient is our democracy in the face of the rise of populist forces and how can the freedom of future generations be protected? And to what extent can science communication promote democratic engagement?

Facts and fiction

Informed decisions in politics and society can be made on the basis of scientific findings. However, in recent years, public discourse has increasingly been dominated by misinformation. What role can science communication play in combating disinformation and populist narratives? And in view of anti-democratic and anti-scientific tendencies in parts of society, how can we ensure that scientific findings remain publicly accessible and relevant for political decision-makers?

How free is science?

Free science is an essential element of liberal democracies. How would possible restrictions on scientific freedom affect the progress of science and research? How can science communication advocate for free science? What role does the "cancel culture" narrative play at universities? And how can a diverse and open university landscape be protected?

Independent media and political education

Independent media are essential to ensure freedom of expression and promote a diverse discourse. How can media pluralism and freedom of the press be safeguarded? What measures are already being taken to combat disinformation and fake news? And what role do traditional media on the one hand and social media platforms on the other play here?

Science communication also has a duty here: how can it help to improve understanding of complex topics and inform citizens? Citizen participation and participatory democracy are not just buzzwords, but essential elements of a vibrant, diverse and inclusive society in which all voices are heard and respected. How much political education should science communication provide? And which infrastructures should be used for science communication?

AI - opportunity or risk?

Artificial intelligence in the form of large language models such as ChatGPT has found its way into our everyday lives and is influencing the way we work and obtain information in our private lives. The question arises as to whether the use of AI can enable better scientific communication or whether the use of AI will erode the truth and facts in public discourse. How can the new technology be used effectively and responsibly in science communication? What measures are needed to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all citizens benefit equally from the advantages of digitalisation? What challenges and potentials arise from the use of AI in scientific research?

Open Topics

You are welcome to submit proposals in the following areas:

  • Main theme 2024 „Wissenschaftskommunikation für eine starke Demokratie und offene Gesellschaft“ (Science communication for a strong democracy and open society)
  • Practice (e.g. practical tips, formats, target groups, best/worst cases, etc.
  • Intersections (e.g. art, politics, economy, international, etc.)
  • Reflections (e.g. values and guidelines, quality, evaluation, impact measurement, science of science communication, etc.)
  • Other issues

The following topics are also welcome:

  • Current challenges and trends in science communication
  • Strategic issues, projects and cooperation
  • Innovative formats and localities of science communication
  • Formats and activities that reach new, hitherto seldomly reached target groups
  • Best and worst practices: experiences with successful or failed projects
  • New insights, e.g. evaluations or research projects in science communication
  • Future perspectives and project ideas

We welcome proposals from a global perspective on these topics, which can be submitted and presented in English. We especially encourage proposals from scientists (of all disciplines).

Formats

Please submit your proposal for a panel discussion, "Practice Perspective", a "Research Insight" or an interactive format or workshop through the call for proposals in English or German.

Wissenschaft im Dialog values gender equality in both panel compositions and in the teams leading interactive workshops. Mixed-gender proposals are especially encouraged. Please consider the following information regarding the formats.

Please review the information on the available formats before submitting your proposal to ensure it meets the requirements.

PANEL DISCUSSION

  • A 75-minute panel discussion with a maximum of three speakers and one moderator
  • Includes at least 45 minutes of discussion with active involvement of the audience, e.g. through the use of voting tools, interactive surveys or the live use of Twitter
  • Showcases different perspectives, including a scientific perspective, ideally by involving a researcher or artist
  • Panel members from diverse backgrounds and institutions, each with a unique view on the topic
  • Each panel member has a maximum of 10 minutes for an opening talk
  • The Moderator cannot simultaneously be a panel member
  • Moderator should conduct intensive preparations together with the speakers to clearly define the topics and questions of discussion.

PRACTICE PERSPECTIVES

  • 7-minutes presentation of a successful or failed project with or a new project idea by one speaker (max.)
  • Further information is presented on a poster as part of a poster-exhibition
  • Opportunity for questions and further discussion at the poster exhibition
  • Provides an overview of new formats and projects in science communication and the opportunity to exchange ideas

RESEARCH INSIGHTS 

  • Short presentation of maximum 12 minutes of specific study results or evaluations of science communication presented by one speaker (max.) 
  • Further information about the study or evaluation provided on a poster as part of a poster exhibition 
  • Opportunity for further questions and discussions at the poster exhibition 
  • Provides insights into current research in science communication and presents results of studies or evaluations of science communication

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP

  • 90-minute interactive workshop moderated by a maximum of four moderators or speakers
  • Diverse formats such as workshop, world café, debate, fishbowl
  • Participants should work in-depth on an issue and generate potential solutions with a focus on practical relevance
  • Please indicate the methods and aims of the workshop 
  • Suitable for at least 40 participants
  • If there is sufficient interest you may be asked to run the workshop twice during the conference 

Submitting your proposal

To submit a contribution, please complete the online form and submit it before 12th April 2024.

Please note: After submitting your proposal, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from Wissenschaft im Dialog. If you don't receive a confirmation mail, please contact forum@w-i-d.de.

Conditions of participation

Submission of proposals

Proposals for Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation 2024 must be submitted through the online form. An automatic email will be sent to the email address provided on the form, confirming successful transfer of data and summarising the information. If the email fails to arrive, please contact forum@w-i-d.de.


Selection of proposals

All submitted proposals will be evaluated by the programme committee, and the selected contributions will be included in the conference programme. If your proposal is chosen, Wissenschaft im Dialog will notify you of the date and time of your session.

Dates   
Deadline for submissions: 12 April 2024
Notification of selections: June 2024
Date of conference: 11–12 December 2024
Place of conference: Berlin

Conference fees and registration
Speakers and moderators are eligible for reduced conference fees (covering participation and catering) for the duration of the conference (€245//2 days).

We will send you a link that enables reduced registration. Registration must be completed using this link and the online form before the close of registrations. It is not possible to register for the conference after the closing of registrations or at the event.

Travel and accommodation costs
Speakers and moderators pay for their own travel and accommodation – these expenses will not be reimbursed by the organisers, Wissenschaft im Dialog.

Technical equipment and materials
We can provide equipment for your contribution including a laptop, projector, flip chart or pinboard. Please bring any further material you need for your contribution such as cards, pens, paper etc.

Privacy and personal data processing

a. Scope of personal data processing
When proposals are submitted to the Call for Proposals for Forum Wissenschaftskommunikation, personal data is recorded and processed by Wissenschaft im Dialog gGmbH. The data is solely processed for the purpose of organising and running the event in accordance with legal requirements and deleted when this purpose is fulfilled. The personal data that is processed and saved, is the same data entered into the online forms for the call for proposals and for conference registration. During the selection of proposals for the programme, names and institutions, as well as the title and description of the session and the submitted links, are shared with the programme committee. The legal basis for the processing of personal data is obtaining permission from the user; as stated in Article 6, Paragraphs 1a and b, GDPR.

b. Purpose of personal data processing
The processing of personal data using the online form is for the sole purpose of managing the submitted proposal and the conference programme. In the case that contact occurs by email rather than via the form, the communication implies permission to process the data. Further information may be collected during the submission of proposals or registration for the purpose of ensuring the safety of IT-systems and preventing misuse of the form.

c. Duration of data storage
The data will be deleted as soon as it has fulfilled the purpose for which it was collected. In this case that includes the procedures required to execute the conference and prepare the conference documentation. If the user wishes to continue to receive regular information about future conferences, their permission is required.

d. Options for refusal and deletion
Any user can revoke their permission for their personal data to be processed at any time. If permission is revoked, it is not possible to participate in the call for proposals.

Contact

Hella Grenzebach
Project lead

Tel.: +49 30 2062295-45
hella.grenzebach@w-i-d.de

Christopher Gripp
Project management

Tel.: +49 30 2062295-22 
christopher.gripp@w-i-d.de

Wissenschaft im Dialog gGmbH
Charlottenstraße 80
10117 Berlin