Science Communication Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship
The visiting professorship for science communication, established in the winter term 2018/2019, is a joint initiative of the Veranstaltungsforum of Holtzbrinck Berlin, the Klaus Tschira Foundation (KTS) and Ruperto Carola.
With KTS funding, experts are invited to impart in a specialised programme what constitutes high-quality reporting on scientific work and findings. At the same time, they are encouraged to initiate a broad-based discussion on new forms of exchange between science and the public.
With the establishment of the professorship, the three partners hope to sharpen awareness of the growing importance of good science communication. The visiting professorship is intended to aid society in shaping the future through science in the face of increasingly complex research.
A champion of excellent science communication and quality journalism is usually appointed as a guest professor each semester. Along with the furtherance these aims, young researchers are also trained to better communicate their research and findings to the public. The Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship is located at the Marsilius Kolleg of Ruperto Carola, which serves as a bridge between the scientific cultures in Heidelberg.
Eleventh Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship: Vanessa Vu
Vanessa Vu is a journalist working at the intersection of storytelling, art and science. She studied anthropology, international law and Southeast Asian studies before joining ZEIT ONLINE in 2017 as a political editor. In 2019, she moved to the feature section X, where she focused on longreads. Since 2025, she has been a reporter for ZEIT's Dossier. She previously co-hosted the Vietnamese-German podcast “Rice and Shine” and the talk series Klassenzimmer at the theater Schaubühne Berlin. She is a frequent voice in public debates and cultural discourse.
Fireside-Chat
The 11th Nature Marsilius Visiting Professorship will be launched with a fireside chat with colleagues from the Marsilius Kolleg Mon., 08.12.2025
Public Lecture
Die Rolle des ‚Public Intellectual‘ in Kriegs- und Krisenzeiten
Tue., 20.01.2026, 7pm
The Great Hall of the Old University
In times of war and global crisis, public uncertainty and societal tensions are increasing. Many turn to academia for orientation: How should we call what is happening in Gaza? How can migration to Germany be understood? Where does the surge in right-wing populism come from? Yet, the more pressing the questions, the more reserved many scholars become. In contrast to the United States and other anglophone contexts, where “public intellectuals” confidently shape debates, researchers in Germany often fear media distortion or hesitate to comment beyond their immediate field of study. This reticence has consequences for democratic life. In a system where collective decisions ideally rest on evidence-based insights and critical reflection, the absence of academic voices leaves a significant gap in public understanding. So what can we learn from anglophone practices of public scholarship, and what should be adapted to the German context? Without doubt: an informed public depends on scholars who are willing to inform, and today’s diverse media landscape offers unprecedented opportunities to communicate scientific perspectives with nuance—and to intervene constructively when misunderstandings arise.
Courses
Workshop 1
The art of op-eds
Wed., 10.12.2025, 11am – 12:30pm (Part 1)
Wed., 17.12.2025, 11am – 12:30pm (Part 2)
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 2, first floor
Target group: anyone interested
Course language: German
While academic texts start by embedding the state of research and use many technical terms, journalistic writing relies on impressive introductions, real-life references, and pointed theses. It’s all about attention, comprehensibility, and stringency. But how does that work in practice? How do I write and place a scientific op-ed, for example? What makes a compelling headline, what is a lead sentence, and how can I make everything more concise? In this workshop, we will practice shifting our perspective from that of an expert to that of an explainer—and in doing so, perhaps become better academic writers.
Workshop 2
From idea to format – the basics of science communication
Fri., 12.12.2025, 11am – 12:30pm
INF 130.1, lecture hall, ground floor
Target group: anyone interested
Course language: German
You are publishing a new study that you want the world, or at least the country, to know about – but how? As not every idea is suitable for every medium, in this workshop we use recent examples to analyze the possibilities and limitations of social media, podcasts, TV documentaries, and traditional newspaper reports. There will be tips on how to not only cast your findings in the appropriate formats, but also how to be well understood and listened to.
Workshop 3
Interview training
Tue., 16.12.2025, 10am – 2pm
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 1, ground floor
Target group: PhD students, Postdocs, Professors
Course language: English
Help, a media inquiry! This workshop equips you to respond confidently to journalists — whether in background conversations, for sound bites, classic interviews, or longer media formats. You will learn how to prepare both strategically and content-wise, and how to communicate your message clearly and effectively. Through practical exercises, we simulate realistic interview situations as they occur in print media, radio features, documentaries, and talk shows. Participants will practice responding spontaneously while maintaining composure and control. We will also address what happens after the interview: How much influence do you still have over the final result? You will gain a realistic understanding of what can still be negotiated and where the boundaries of journalistic independence lie.
Workshop 4
How to Podcast
Thu., 15.01.2026, 10am – 2pm (Part 1)
Thu., 22.01.2026, 10am – 2pm (Part 2)
INF 130.1, Seminar Room 2, first floor
Target group: Bachelor’s students, Master's students, doctoral students, postdocs
Course language: German
Science magazines, museums, nerds — everyone seems to have a podcast these days. But what makes a truly compelling science podcast? How do you turn an abstract topic into an audio experience that people want to share? What keeps listeners engaged, how can complex content be explained in a clear and entertaining way, and how do you build your own community? In the first part of this workshop, we walk step-by-step through concept development, scripting, recording techniques, and distribution. Then it’s your turn: you’ll record a pilot episode, which we will fine-tune together in the second part.
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