The Munich Science Communication Lab aims to promote exchange and co-operation between research and practice in science communication. Research at the MSCL is both fundamental and application-orientated. Various methodological and theoretical approaches are applied in our projects. From a predominantly communication science perspective, we seek interdisciplinary dialogue with other social science subjects as well as with the humanities and natural sciences.
Research at the Munich Science Communication Lab is currently focussed on the topic of ‘Communicating Planetary Health’. We are surveying the current state of research on public communication on planetary health issues and analysing how planetary health is reported in the news media. We explore the impact of planetary health communication and test it in different application contexts. We also reflect on planetary health in the context of related discourses and concepts.
Harmful Science Communication
Science communication works – but the effects are not always only positive. Science communication is not only met with criticism, but also with scepticism and hostility towards science. Scientists are particularly exposed to hostility on social media. In this context, the MSCL is researching, among other things, which measures can be used to effectively counter online harassment.
Constructive Science Communication
Public communication about climate change, but also about other so-called ‘wicked problems’ such as artificial intelligence, is often characterised by emotional appeals, and many people feel fear, concern and anger in the face of the complex problems associated with these major challenges. The MSCL therefore researches constructive, solution-orientated communication approaches in journalism and strategic communication.
Impactful Science Communication
With the growing importance of science communication in society, the need for evaluation of science communication formats and structures is also growing. The MSCL contributes to the integration of evaluation into strategic science communication, to the further development of evaluation methods and to the transfer of evidence and methodological knowledge into science communication practice.
For more information please contact Julia Serong