A new Bavarian network for science communication

In times of misinformation, fact-based science communication is more important than ever. The competent, reliable and comprehensive communication of scientific processes and results is crucial. In this way, science communication can counter the increasing amount of fake news with professionally sound, transparent and credible – as well as entertaining – information. Science communication and public engagement aim to contribute to the success of technological and societal changes by enabling a dialog with society.

The Munich metropolitan area hosts excellent research institutions in all scientific fields, media outlets and first-class museums. This is complemented by science journalism, research into science communication and players in digital science communication. However, there is a lack of coordinated activities between the various institutions.

Networking, bundling, making visible

This is precisely where the new Bavarian network for science communication fills the gap. It bundles and showcases communication activities regionally, nationally and internationally, makes the partners’ research results visible and communicates their relevance for society.

The Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities is part of this important initiative. The project will strengthen science communication and public engagement in Bavaria and will form a dynamic bridge between science and society. This is essential for a vibrant democracy and for economic development in the Free State of Bavaria.

The concept and activities are currently being developed and the partners are declaring their will to collaborate in a Memorandum of Understanding. The initiative will set its focus on networking, making visible and bundling existing activities of science communication. New formats will be developed as part of the initiative to strengthen the dialog between science and society. In the next few years, the project aims to broaden its horizon beyond Munich and extends its activities to the whole of Bavaria. 

Current partners of the initiative (as of August 2024):

• acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering
• Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities
• Deutsches Museum
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
• Helmholtz Zentrum München (Helmholtz Munich)
• HM Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences
• Max Planck Society
• Munich Science Communication Lab / LMU
• Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns
• Technical University of Munich
• University of the Bundeswehr Munich

Contact:

The Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities coordinates the initiative’s activities with a new executive department. Dr. Ulrike Rehwagen took over its management at the beginning of 2024.

Dr. Ulrike Rehwagen
CEO
c/o Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften
Alfons-Goppel-Str. 11 (Residenz)
80539 Munich
Germany

E-mail: ulrike.rehwagen@badw.de
Phone: +49 (0)89 23031-1325

Link to the BAdW website: www.badw.de