Translating Science: What’s good and what’s not?

Researchers are more and more expected to help solving problems faced by the society and replenish public debates with evidence and expressertise. What might, in the end, lead to an informed discourse and stimulate sophisticated political decision, is hard work for individual scientists. Translating scientific practice and evidence in a suitable and digestible way can be tough. You have to reduce complexity, while not simplifying or even overselling your results. You have to link your findings to the topic at debate, while not switching to the role of an activist yourself. But what makes science communication scientific? Are click rates and media attention really a characteristic of relevance and societal impact? Where is the boundary between a researcher and an activist? Bringing together researchers and practitioners who are active on the science and society interface, we will tackle the question of quality in science communication and share insights of how it can work.

Speakers:
Dr. Gregor Hagedorn, Museum für Naturkunde
Prof. Gert G. Wagner, senior researcher at DIW and HIIG
Elena Erdmann, data scientist at ZEIT ONLINE

Doors open 18.30
Discussion starts 19.00