Volkswagen Foundation funds research laboratory for analysing controversial debates by Julia Metag

(30.04.2025) Social media, artificial intelligence and misleading or deliberately false information (‘fake news’) are playing an increasingly important role in public discussions on polarising topics such as climate change and vaccinations. Prof. Dr. Julia Metag will join the newly established Hot Science Communication Lab to investigate how controversial scientific topics are presented and disseminated online in text, images and sound, how this multimodal mix influences opinions on scientific topics, and what consequences this has for research communication. The Volkswagen Foundation is funding the project with 840,000 € over four years as part of its Momentum – Funding for First Appointments initiative. Prof. Dr. Julia Metag is the first communication scientist to receive this funding.

The aim of the study will be to gain sound insights for contemporary and effective science communication. ‘We will conduct content analyses, experiments and surveys on hotly debated topics, using computer-assisted and neuroscientific methods,’ explains Julia Metag. Research stays abroad, a fellowship programme for international scientists and a link to the future master's programme “Knowledge & Communication” are further components. Ambassadors will be trained to communicate controversial content effectively to the public.

The ‘Momentum’ funding supports professors at an early stage of their careers in further developing their research and initiating new topics. A total of around 9.7 million euros will be used to fund 11 new projects.

Contact person public relations:
Dr. Stephan Völlmicke
Telefon: +49 251 83-23006
Telefax: +49 251 83-21310 (Geschäftszimmer IfK)