© Oana Popa-Costea
© Felix Noak
Technische Universität Berlin is an open university at the heart of a metropolis. It goes without saying that our researchers do not conduct their research behind locked doors. We see it as our duty to present our research results transparently to the community at large, include different social groups in the research process, and contribute our scientific expertise to public discussions.
To achieve this, Technische Universität Berlin has developed a model of science communication. It consists of six interconnected modules:
1. Public relations work
© Oana Popa-Costea
TU Berlin’s public relations work is both modern and transparent. It shares results, processes, and university political events with the public in a clear, prompt, and comprehensive manner, utilizing different channels of communication – for example the University newspaper, central website, different social media channels, and events large and small. Every year Technische Universität Berlin is one of the most popular locations during the Long Night of the Sciences in Berlin and each June it hosts one of Germany’s largest science slams with 1,200 attendees.
2. Science communication
Numerous researchers at Technische Universität Berlin see their active science communication as an important contribution to a knowledge-based discussion in society. They are actively involved, communicate outside of their research groups, and participate in other social groups. Transparency, facts, communication, and a willingness to discuss are an expression of the responsibility they bear in society as scientists.
3. Researching with society
Numerous models and methods for sharing content with other scientists, civil society groups, politicians, and industry and research institutions are being tested and developed at Technische Universität Berlin. The University is a trailblazer in this field requiring a modern understanding of knowledge and technology transfer. Successful transdisciplinary projects, internal funding lines, complementary conferences, and cooperation with the universities in the Berlin University Alliance underscore its leading position.
4. Places of science communication
© Felix Noak
Multiple venues for sharing science with the public will be developing on TU Berlin’s campus in the coming years. The planned exhibition pavilion with knowledge paths across the campus and the science gallery are two examples of how Campus Charlottenburg's numerous interesting science events and valuable projects for collaboration, learning, and sharing are helping to make it a real attraction. The Bauhaus pavilion at the center of Ernst-Reuter-Platz, the interactive exhibition “Energy in Motion” in the Main Building, the University’s renowned Architecture Museum, and the Berlin Open Lab at the neighboring Berlin University of the Arts all demonstrate how scientific results and projects can provide a stimulus for exchange.
5. Strategic continuing education
Everything is in a state of flux – especially how we communicate: new formats, new channels, new content In order to not only keep up but also maintain a high level of communication in science, Technische Universität Berlin offers a unique portfolio of continuing education offers. Scientists can select from among three offers: certificate courses on science communication, certificate courses on science marketing, and the extra-occupational master’s program in Science Management/Science Marketing.
6. Research projects for transfer
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding the project “Transfer Science” with 3.4 million euros for three years. The joint project between the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering and Technische Universität Berlin is focusing on the topic transfer as a science. In our role, we are responsible for integrating science communication into the research agenda and are currently developing an integrated course for students.