The "Hot Science Communication Lab" deals with scientific topics that are highly controversial. The particular challenge of such ‘hot’ science communication lies in its multimodal character, which includes text, images, sound and interactive elements. Social media, generative AI, deep fakes and memes create an information environment in which multimodality ‘heats up’ science communication. The lab therefore focuses on the interface between multimodality and controversy in science communication.
The research conducted in the lab will entail (computational) analyses of multimodal content, as well as experiments and surveys. Integral to this endeavor are research visits abroad, along with a fellowship program enabling researchers to visit the Hot SciComm Lab. In teaching, the lab will be closely integrated in the master’s program “Knowledge & Communication”. Embracing an innovative “think-and-do tank model” as a transfer strategy, the lab will identify trusted messengers and organize workshops to empower them to effectively communicate about multimodal controversial scientific topics.
Duration: 01.10.2025-30.09.2029
Funding: Volkswagen Foundation
