What we do
WissKomm-Kolleg
Shaping science communication effectively
The climate crisis, digitalisation, international conflicts, and social inequalities - these and other challenges society is facing cannot be overcome without sound scientific knowledge and solutions. Effective science communication is one of the key factors in making scientific findings and working methods accessible for social dialogue and enabling an enlightened debate. The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. and the Claussen-Simon-Stiftung, together with their co-operation partners, offer young communicators a joint learning and reflection space with the WissKomm-Kolleg. The WissKomm-Kolleg strengthens actors who want to promote responsible science communication and give science a sustainable voice in civil society and political discourse.
The modular annual programme is aimed at young scientists, communicators at universities and research institutions as well as science journalists, who would like to share their first professional experiences in the field of science communication, reflect intensively on their role and responsibilities and further develop their skills. It offers them a space for learning and reflection. Orientation and role clarification, professionalisation and networking are the focus of the WissKomm-Kolleg.
The WissKomm-Kolleg brings together a group of 16 to 18 participants over a period of one year. Experienced trainers lead the workshops. Exciting and high-profile guests from science, journalism, science communication and related fields provide topic-related impulses and are available as dialogue partners.
Cooperation partners
The WissKomm-Kolleg is a joint initiative of Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. and Claussen-Simon-Stiftung, in cooperation with VolkswagenStiftung, Bundesverband Hochschulkommunikation, Nationalen Institut für Wissenschaftskommunikation and Wissenschaft im Dialog. Representatives of these partner institutions form the advisory board of the WissKomm-Kolleg.
- Selection criteria
Target group: prospective leaders in the fields of science, science communication, science journalism (guideline: applicants are in the first five years of their professional biography, at least one year of professional experience is required)
Expertise and experience in science communication
a completed university degree (master's, diploma)
Mandatory participation in all four modules
When selecting suitable candidates, we regard diversity as a resource and value diversity within the group. Participants are expected to have appropriate communication skills and an interest in exchange and reflection.
- Application documents
To apply, please complete the application form below by 6 March 2024 and upload the following documents:
CV, if applicable with contextualising or narrative elements (see template in the download area)
Letter of motivation explaining why you would like to participate in the WissKomm-Kolleg (max. 2 pages)
Short essay answering the key question: "How do I see the future of science communication a) in general, b) with regard to my field (research/institutional communication/journalism) and c) with regard to my own role?" (max. 2 pages)
Optional: (link to a) work sample or description of previous activities in science communication
- Application form
Should there be a problem with the application form you can also find it by clicking the following link, leading you to an external website (Jotform):
- Selection procedure
After a pre-selection based on the written applications, personal (digital) interviews with the selection committee will take place. These are scheduled for 3, 4 and 5 April - applicants are expected to be available on these dates.
- Members of the selection committee
Dr. Fenja De Silva-Schmidt (Hamburg Research Academy), Matthias Fejes (Bundesverband Hochschulkommunikation), Dr. Pierre Schwidlinski (VolkswagenStiftung), Dr. Klara Stumpf (Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S.), Klaus Wingen (Nationales Institut für Wissenschaftskommunikation), Michael Wingens (Wissenschaft im Dialog), Dr. Nadine Wisotzki (Claussen-Simon-Stiftung), Franco Zotta (Science Media Center Germany)
- Downloads
Programme
Curriculum of consecutive workshops:
Module 1, 24 April 2024 (digital): "The personal starting point"
Module 2, 21 to 24 May 2024 (Seminar Center Gut Siggen): "Good science communication in different roles"
Module 3, 30 July to 2 August 2024 (Seminar Center Gut Siggen): "Responsibility"
Module 4, 25 September 2024 (digital): "Perspectives and networking"
In terms of methodology, the modules are characterised by a diverse mix of lectures, workshops, peer learning, fireside chats and case studies. The programme is flanked by a support fund, which provides resources for science communication projects, coaching and mentoring, conference participation, etc. and for which participants can submit applications.
Participation in all four modules is compulsory.
The programme will be held in German.
Seminar Center Gut Siggen
The seminar center Gut Siggen at the Baltic Sea is more than just a conference location of the Toepfer Foundation - it is a place for reflection and rethinking, for debates and disputations, for encounters with others and the encounter with oneself. The claim "to give space", which can be found in the program of the foundation, becomes reality here.
"The Claussen-Simon Foundation has been working with Hamburg's higher education institutions for years to strengthen science communication. We are motivated by the firm conviction that scientific findings and working methods make a decisive contribution to a solution-orientated discourse in politics and society. With the new WissKomm-Kolleg and the co-operation partners involved, we are delighted to be able to create a highly attractive format for further training and professional exchange throughout Germany."
"The Toepfer Foundation has long been closely associated with universities through its "Lehren " programme. This programme has taught us how important it is to provide impetus, open up spaces for reflection and encourage change in the early stages of a career. We are delighted to now be able to make this experience fruitful for the field of science communication in a strong alliance of partner organisations."
"With the WissKomm-Kolleg, we are addressing those who are keen to help shape the science communication of the future in a way that is geared towards the common good - in all its facets, whether from a journalistic, research or institutional perspective."
"We are convinced that the next generation of science communicators will play a key role in society's participation in scientific knowledge. With the WissKomm-Kolleg, we are helping to ensure that these actors can navigate the complex challenges of our time with confidence."
Contact
Dr. Klara Stumpf Head of Science Programmes Head of Sustainable Land Use Programmes
+49 40 33 402 12stumpf@toepfer-stiftung.de
