Science in dialogue: Citizens: Interior meet research experts!

Science in dialogue: Citizens: Interior meet research experts!

In a trend -setting step to promote science communication, several important representatives of German research institutions have recently taken to the streets of smaller cities. It was a premiere when Katja Becker and her colleagues from the German Research Foundation (DFG)-including members of the University Rectors' Conference and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences-made a direct contact with citizens. On a Saturday that was the usual weekly shopping for many, this dialogue began to bridge the gap between public and science.

The cities that came into the focus of this initiative were Zwickau, Brandenburg an der Havel, Gera, Wetzlar and Recklinghausen. These places have been selected in a targeted manner to reach citizens who may have had no or little access to science so far. This not only works outside of the academic bladder, but also offers scientists from diverse disciplines the opportunity to communicate their work and their findings in an understandable way.

Integrate science in everyday life

The initiative emphasizes the importance of knowing directly where people live and act. Instead of discussing abstract concepts in conference rooms, the scientists wanted to provide their knowledge at marketplaces and come into conversation with the citizens. Such personal conversations can help to reduce prejudices and to develop a better understanding of scientific topics.

BECKER emphasizes that it was not just about the introduction of research results, but also to hear what people are interested in and what questions they have about science. This input is valuable because it helps the scientists to adapt their research direction and the type of communication to become more relevant to society.

An important point of these conversations was also to raise awareness of the advantages of scientific knowledge in everyday life. Science can solve many challenges, be it through new technologies or through the understanding of social phenomena. With such an exchange, the science organizations hope to strengthen trust in research and to promote dialogue between science and society.

The participation of local universities and educational institutions played a central role here. There were not only lectures, but also interactive elements that enabled citizens to interact directly with the researchers. Such events could inspire potential pupils and students for a scientific career and show that research is nothing that is reserved for the "elite".

Katja Becker and the other initiators of this project agree: Such initiatives should not be unique events, but should be carried out regularly. The aim is to build sustainable relationships between science and the public in order to always keep knowledge in the flow. In the future, these events could also be extended to other cities and involve various formats to achieve even more people and cover different subject areas.

This development is not only important for the public perception of science, but also plays a role in political decision -making. If citizens better understand the work of the scientists, they can make informed decisions and, if necessary, also influence research initiatives. In a time when science and technology increasingly determine the framework of our lives, such dialogues are essential.