Autumn School – Technology and Innovation Communication

Background and objectives

How should communication about new technologies, for example, in the field of nanotechnology or biotechnology, take place? What measures regarding communication and participation are needed when researching the energy systems of the future? What are the overarching factors that make technology communication successful? How do we deal with controversial, risky topics? Can dialogue formats and strategic risk communication lead to better results than existing information policies in this connection? And what possibilities does communication via social media such as Instagram, X, TikTok, etc. offer?

These are the questions that acatech and Wissenschaft im Dialog want to explore with young science communication talents, young journalists and young scientists interested in communication in their workshop entitled “Autumn School – Technik und Innovation kommunizieren (Technology and Innovation Communication)”. Insights from academics and practitioners in the field of communication, contributions from the participants themselves, and excursions stimulate an in-depth exchange of experiences.

The objective of acatech and Wissenschaft im Dialog in holding the annual Autumn School, is to focus attention on technology communication, whose importance and position within the broader context of science communication has so far received little separate consideration. Particular emphasis will be put on the conflict between theory and practice. The objective is to run communication activities (e.g., in schools or museum settings, in mass media, PR work, marketing, or policy advice) in a scientifically sound manner and, at the same time, to bring current challenges in communication into research (e.g., communication studies, sociology, didactics, pedagogy, linguistics) to provide impetus.

All information on the previous technology communication workshops can be found at Lernwerkstatt Technikkommunikation 2023 (in German) and Lernwerkstatt Technikkommunikation 2024 (in English).

Planning for 2025 is already underway. In autumn 2025, the workshop will take place under a new name but will continue to offer high-quality insights into theory and practice, as well as an excursion. Further information will be provided in due course.