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Humboldt Communication Lab
A conversation between science and the media: twice a year, ten Humboldt Fellows and ten early-career journalists get together with the aim of learning from one another.
Network event
Science and media thrive on one quintessential thing: curiosity. Both professions share wonder, explore new territory and can inspire collective visions of the future. But what will our world look like in 50 years? Will AI enhance human lives? Can synthetic food be the solution to climate change and famine? Will we overcome severe diseases with the help of genetics and new biotechnologies? In a time of rapid change, it is a challenge for research and science reporting to help shape developments. At the same time, they can bring innovative solutions to people’s homes with the help of various communication channels and innovative formats.
After three years of digital exchange, it was finally time to meet face-to-face with the ComLab alumni, friends, and supporters of the programme. The Communication Lab – a joint project of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the International Journalists’ Programmes – held its first in-person event and networking carousel in Berlin.
Experts from science, media, industry and the political sector discussed prospects and challenges of AI, bioethics and climate science. In a public debate we talked about the influence of politics in science and media.
Panel discussion “Activist Science? The Politicisation of Research and Journalism”
The Covid vaccination, the war in Ukraine, climate measures, or AI – they divide opinions and are highly political at the same time. The media and research play a central role in the way these topics are dealt with in public. But this is precisely where we hit a grey area – in the field of tension between informing, advising and controlling debates.
The basis on which journalists and researchers have an impact on society is trust. But the integrity of both professions is increasingly being questioned – not least by populist movements. So where does politics take effect in researchers’ and journalists’ work? Are journalism and research driven by the attention economy of politics and new media bubbles? Or are they not political enough when it comes to issues that are crucial for the future, such as combating climate change? Is it their responsibility to raise democratic awareness in a time of increasing populism, fake news and disinformation? We discussed these questions and more with Zulfikar Abbany (Deutsche Welle), Ralf Beste (Federal Foreign Office), Leonie Sontheimer (free climate journalist / Netzwerk Klimajournalismus Deutschland).
