Scientific findings allow our society to overcome the challenges of the future. Every single day, researchers discover things that are, or could become, directly relevant to all of us.
- How do algorithms influence our personal and working lives?
- How can we feed a growing global population?
- What can we do to protect ourselves from serious illnesses?
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) funds a diverse range of essential research fields. Furthermore, by supporting science communication, it also helps ensure that citizens are better informed about science and allows them to come in direct contact with researchers. Supporting science communication is therefore also anchored within the Federal Government’s 2021 coalition agreement. Science communication strengthens our free democracy: armed with scientific findings and knowledge of how research works, societies that engage in discourse are better equipped to work together to tackle challenges and find solutions for the future.
Textblock Anfang
Science communication in the coalition agreement
“Science is not a closed system, but thrives on discussion and communication with the general public. We want to systematically incorporate science communication at all stages of academic careers and as a condition of funding approval. We work to support science journalism through an independent foundation, continuing education for decision-makers, in analogue and digital formats – from research museums to interactive dashboards. Through citizen science, we will endeavour to integrate the views of civil society more closely in research work. We want to strengthen open access and open science.”
2021-2025 coalition agreement
Structure-building science communication projects funded by the BMFTR
The BMFTR has launched a wide variety of structure-building measures. Here are some of the most important examples:
Connecting research and practice: the Transfer Unit
The Transfer Unit supports dialogue between science communication practice and research about science communication. It compiles information for communicators from the latest research on current topics. Ideas for relevant topics are taken from practice.
Insights into impact: the Impact Unit
The Impact Unit supports effective science communication measures. The project focusses on the impact and evaluation of science communication and provides background knowledge, analyses and evaluation tools as well as a free online evaluation platform.
All about science communication: wisskomm.de
Current debates, all manner of formats, job boards – you can find out all about science communication at wissenschaftskommunikation.de, the central platform for information and discussion about science communication. It also covers topics related to science journalism.
Skill building made easy: Wisskomm Campus
What constitutes successful science communication? The Wisskomm Campus supports capacity-building for researchers at all stages of their careers. The online courses offered by the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik) provide an introduction into science communication practice and go into certain topics in greater depth.
Knowledge you can rely on: the Science Media Center
The Science Media Center is an independent journalistic institution that serves the public interest. With a network of over 1000 participating researchers, the centre provides free support to media professionals reporting on science-related topics.
Digital transformation in science journalism
The German Science Journalists’ Association (WPK) has established an innovation fund for science writing. The BMFTR provides accompanying funding for transformative innovation research for science journalism to obtain findings on how to promote science journalism in the digital era.
Science communication in BMFTR funding practice
Science communication for and with the public has been an integral element of all BMFTR funding regulations since 2022. The Science Communication Advisory Unit, set up as part of the Centre of Expertise for Science Communication at the DLR Project Management Agency, will help with any questions.
Policy paper
In November 2019, the BMFTR published a policy paper on science communication. Specific measures are intended to help make communication between the research community and the general public a normal part of our everyday lives, in all fields of research. This includes making scientists aware of the important role they play in society and encouraging them to participate in public discourse. Science also benefits from these efforts as new points of view are heard and insights obtained. Productive exchange can also help to strengthen public trust in science. Download the policy paper here.
Science communication in project funding
The Federal Government has made it its goal to strengthen and support science communication and to ensure that dialogue between the research community and the general public becomes commonplace. As stipulated in the coalition agreement, science communication is to be systematically integrated into research funding. The BMFTR has adapted its funding practices accordingly: science communication is now a core component in all funding regulations and funded research projects, regardless of research field. Find out more here. (in German)
Working together for good science communication: #FactoryWisskomm
Strengthening science communication together: the #FactoryWisskomm is the BMFTR’s discussion platform on the future-oriented development of science communication in Germany. At the #FactoryWisskomm, the BMFTR brings together stakeholders from science, communication, politics, industry, media and civil society. The aim of the #FactoryWisskomm is to create adequate conditions for effective and responsible science communication. These include, for example, opportunities for scientists to build their skills, developing approaches to quality assurance and evaluation or supporting the development and implementation of innovative and participatory communication formats. Likewise, competent science journalism also supports good science communication practices. Click here to find out more about the #FactoryWisskomm, including reports from previous years and information about how to take part..
International science communication
Good science communication transcends national borders. The BMFTR engages in a variety of activities to include international points of view in science communication in Germany. For example, we strive to foster international exchange through the #FactoryWisskomm’s interdisciplinary Taskforce Internationales, at international conferences or through the G7 Working Group on Science Communication, a body initiated by Germany. At European level, the BMFTR participated in a multinational working group on public engagement (mutual learning exercise) in 2024 and will continue this work in 2025 in a mutual learning exercise on science communication.
Science communication for everyone – the Science Year
How do we safeguard the freedom of future generations? What are black holes? What does the deepest point on Earth look like? The Science Years are dedicated to a specific topic every year. They explore questions like these and allow members of the public throughout Germany to experience science and research first-hand. Find out more about the Science Years here.