Science communication at TU Dortmund University
Science communication is the communication of scientific findings to the general public, especially to citizens and schoolchildren. TU Dortmund University invites the public to a variety of exchange opportunities on campus. Scientists also participate in various other formats in the city. The university supports researchers in communicating about their science and even trains science journalists.
Office of University Communications
The Office of University Communications deals with a wide range of topics for TU Dortmund University's internal and external communication. In the area of science communication, the office publishes the research magazine mundo and science news on TU Dortmund University's website and in social networks. The Office of University Communications is also responsible for sending out press releases, including via the “Informationsdienst Wissenschaft” or “EurekAlert!” and assists with registration in expert databases for the media.
The Office's staff also advise on funding applications, including on the basis of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research's handout (German only) on science communication. They are also responsible for developing social media guidelines (German only) and support TU Dortmund University institutions in planning social media channels.
Science communication in research and education
Science communication is also anchored in research and education at TU Dortmund University. The Chair of Science Journalism is particularly active in this area. Students and employees can take part in selected seminars and lecture series and even gain their own editorial experience with the campus media.
At the Rhine Ruhr Center for Science Communication Research (RRC), the Chair of Science Journalism at TU Dortmund University works together with colleagues from science research and practice to investigate new forms of science communication. The VW Foundation has been funding the project since 2021.
At TU Dortmund University, a “Scientist in Residence” is working at the interface between the Office of University Communication and the Chair of Science Journalism in order to link quality research and quality assurance in practice. The innovative project is set to run for three years (2023-2025).
Grundlagen und fachspezifische Besonderheiten guter Wissenschaftskommunikation (Fundamentals and subject-specific features of good science communication): The seminar series Fundamentals and subject-specific features of good science communication provides students and researchers with the know-how to communicate different research content (Chair of Science Journalism, last in summer semester 2023/again in winter semester 2024/25).
Die Wissensmacher (The knowledge creators): In the public lecture series Die Wissensmacher (only German), science journalists and press spokespersons provide insights into their everyday work (Chair of Science Journalism, since winter semester 2003/04).
The campus media at TU Dortmund University provide an insight into the production of video and audio contributions. At the campus radio station eldoradio* and the learning TV station NRWision, students and employees of TU Dortmund University can contribute ideas and expand their media skills.
eldoradio - Campus radio for Dortmund (only German)
nrwision - media library and TV learning channel (in German)
TU Dortmund University also provides training in the field of science communication. At the Institute of Journalism, students can study science journalism (Bachelor/Master) with a focus on technology journalism, data journalism or natural sciences. A traineeship in the field of university communication can be completed at the Office of University Communication.
Mission Statement Good Science Communication
To promote good science communication at both institutional and individual level, the Rectorate adopted the Mission Statement Good Science Communication in 2022. It states that good science communication should be both audience-oriented and science-oriented and should select suitable formats from a variety of options.
Expert databases for media
The Informationsdienst Wissenschaft (IDW) supports journalists in their search for experts on specific topics and provides contacts of experts from research who are willing to share their expertise and opinions. TU Dortmund University researchers can register there via the Office of University Communications.
The Science Media Center Germany also mediates between scientists and journalists in order to make the expertise of researchers available for journalistic practice. Members of TU Dortmund University can register there for designated topics via a self-application.
For an internal search for experts at TU Dortmund University, the research map provides an overview of researchers, departments and subject areas.