Science communication by researchers and research institutions is a cornerstone of public discourse. Scientific expertise fuels public discourse. Those who communicate this expertise are not only called upon to convey knowledge but also to engage in dialogue about it, shaping science communication in an interactive and participatory manner. This is challenging in a communication environment where specific target groups are difficult to reach, some content appears almost impossible to translate, and scientific knowledge is no longer automatically perceived as superior due to science scepticism and disinformation. Thus, what might practical science communication look like in such a challenging communication setting?

In this seminar, students adopt a hands-on approach to the question of how to overcome specific communication challenges. Researchers and/or science communicators from the University of Münster present students with such challenges, which they must solve using the principles of design thinking. Students therefore learn to identify the challenges of practical science communication and develop specific solutions, such as ideas for communication products or events, to address these challenges. To this end, they are introduced to the fundamental principles of design thinking.

The seminar is being held with the support of REACH, the start-up centre of the University of Münster and the FH Münster. Individual sessions will take place at the REACH centre. To allow enough time for the various stages of the Design Thinking process, four seminar sessions will be extended to four hours each instead of two. This means that these sessions will run from 10 to 14 (c.t.) instead of 10 to 12 (c.t.). (To compensate for this, some two-hour in-person sessions will be cancelled.) Participants should note that these four-hour seminar sessions will most likely take place on the following dates: 26 November, 10 December, 17 December and 14 January. More detailed information on the seminar schedule and the structure of the individual sessions will be provided during the first session on 15 October. The first session will be held in the designated seminar room.

Required coursework: Case presentation (individual task) and documentation of the design thinking process (group task).

Degree-relevant examination: Presentation and report on the case (group task); reflection on the communicative challenge (individual task)

Kurs im HIS-LSF