Science Communication Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship
The visiting professorship for science communication, established in the winter term 2018/2019, is a joint initiative of the Veranstaltungsforum of Holtzbrinck Berlin, the Klaus Tschira Foundation (KTS) and Ruperto Carola.
With KTS funding, experts are invited to impart in a specialised programme what constitutes high-quality reporting on scientific work and findings. At the same time, they are encouraged to initiate a broad-based discussion on new forms of exchange between science and the public.
With the establishment of the professorship, the three partners hope to sharpen awareness of the growing importance of good science communication. The visiting professorship is intended to aid society in shaping the future through science in the face of increasingly complex research.
A champion of excellent science communication and quality journalism is usually appointed as a guest professor each semester. Along with the furtherance these aims, young researchers are also trained to better communicate their research and findings to the public. The Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship is located at the Marsilius Kolleg of Ruperto Carola, which serves as a bridge between the scientific cultures in Heidelberg.
Tenth Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship: Verena Mischitz
Verena Mischitz is a journalist, filmmaker and presenter. She works as a freelance science journalist for the German television network WDR and the European service channel Arte, among others. She has been awarded several times for her videos on the climate and biodiversity crisis, not least with the Georg von Holtzbrinck Award for Science Journalism. Mischitz studied communication science and political science in Vienna and Liège. Since 2022, she has been spokesperson for the Austrian Climate Journalism Network.
Fireside-Chat
The 10th Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship will be launched with a fireside chat with colleagues from the Marsilius College on Monday, 12 May 2025.
Public Lecture
Communicating science in times of planetary crises
Thursday, July 7 2025, 7 pm, The Great Hall of the Old University
Heat, drought, floods – the effects of global warming are becoming more noticeable. Nevertheless, planetary crises remain a niche issue. Climate and biodiversity crises are the biggest challenges of this century – yet we do not seem to successfully communicate this threat. Why is that? Do we have to tell other stories? How can that be done?
On July 3, 2025, Nature Marsilius Visiting Professor Verena Mischitz will speak in a public lecture in Heidelberg about communicating in times of ecological and social crises, what obstacles there are and what constitutes good climate and science journalism.
Courses
A: WORKSHOP
From the fact to a story
Focus: storytelling, basics science communication
1. Course language: German
Tuesday, 13.05.25, 10-14 h
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 01.105, first floor
2. Course language: English
Tuesday, 13.05.25, 10-14 h
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 01.105, first floor
Target group: Master's students, doctoral students, postdocs
Unbelieveable! A milestone! There are new findings in a field of research, but very few understand how far-reaching they are. In order to prevent this from happening, in this workshop we will deal with storytelling and the power of stories. How are facts woven into a story? How can research be made accessible to a broad audience? How can we make academic language understandable? What catches our attention? And what role do emotions play?
In exercises, participants will learn how to use abstract insights to create a story that many are interested in.
B: WORKSHOP
Between academic and cringe: telling science visually without getting bored
Focus: language, accessibility, video elements
Course language: German
Group 1:
Thursday, 15.05.25, 10-14 h and
Thursday, 22.05.25, 10-12 h
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 00.107, ground floor
Group 2:
Tuesday, 24.06.25, 10-14 h and
Tuesday, 01.07.25, 10-12 h
INF 130.2, hall ground floor
Target group: Master's students, doctoral students, postdocs
How do I tell a story visually? What role does language play? What does it take to make a successful video clip? What will work? What won't?
In the first part of the workshop, participants will learn the basics of visual storytelling: How do I use language? What technical prerequisites are required? How do I get from the idea to a video? Between the two sessions, the participants will produce a short clip.
In the second part of the workshop, the clips will be presented and discussed in the group.
C: DEBATING WORKSHOP
Public research: is that already activism?
Course language: German
Wednesday, 21.05.25, 15.30-17.00 h
INF 130.1, lecture hall 00.101, ground floor
Target group: anyone interested
Anyone who speaks publicly about science and research is increasingly being attacked, and in some cases criminalised. How much attitude should scientists show? When is science communication activism – and is that a problem? Does public communication harm one's research or is it our democratic responsibility?
In this workshop, different positions in the field of science and social engagement will be debated.
D: INTERACTIVE SEMINAR
Research in an interview
Course language: German
Wednesday, 25.06.25, 10-12 h
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 01.105, first floor
Target group: Master's students, doctoral students, postdocs
An interview with a TV station is pending. They wanto you to talk about the latest findings in your field of research and you have the knowledge. But how do you share it in an understandable way? How do you make research accessible? What role do examples, metaphors and allegories play? And what is to be considered in front of the camera?
In this course, participants learn to answer questions from journalists in an understandable way – so that everyone benefits.
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