WP9 combines the perspective of natural sciences with the unique perspective of philosophy of science.  It develops cutting edge, interdisciplinary science communication strategies for ACCeSS. The aim of WP9 is thus twofold. On the one hand, WP9 facilitates the science communication for ACCeSS. Adequate science communication is central to public acceptance of scientific research results. The research done in ACCeSS is of vital interest to the common public and should thus be developed in close cooperation with civil society. Therefore, we seek to strengthen both access to knowledge and participation of scientists and non-scientists in the discussion of the project aims, results and assessment of innovations. Open science bears an additional value for both sides: The public takes part in the process of knowledge acquisition, thus enhancing the understanding of scientific methods and (re)gaining confidence in scientific work in general. Science also benefits from a joint agenda setting with the addressees of the innovations to be developed. Our approach to science communication is guided by three practical principles:

1. Focusing on creating content for people who usually do not seek out science communication-events on their own.
2. Moving away from the conventional top-down approach of science communication. That means actively asking the public what they are interested in and taking this into account when organizing events.
3. Following a holistic approach to science communication that focuses not just on communicating facts, but also more general basic knowledge about how science functions and operates.

On the other hand, the direct collaboration between scientists and philosophers of science in ACCeSS enables us to closely study the challenges and pitfalls of science communication. We are particularly interested in the discrepancies between the public’s expectation and what science actually can achieve. Thus, we investigate how science skepticism is fostered by a widespread oversimplified understanding of how science works and what science can accomplish. We are especially interested in the question where those oversimplified “stories” about science originate and why they are also often told within science. Further, we consider the corresponding epistemic and normative consequences of such oversimplified views.

Researcher: Dr. Maria Sojka; Send Email

Project leaders:
Gottfried Vosgerau, Institute for Philosophy VI, Philosophy of Mind, HHU; Send Email
Michael Schmitt, High Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy, HHU; Send Email