Universities & Research Institutes
Make research visible and bring different disciplines together under a shared communications framework
Science Communication
Communicate complex research clearly, meaningfully and in ways that connect with different audiences – across the public sphere, policy, business and society.
Who benefits from science communication?
Scientific findings can only make a difference when people understand them and can relate them to their own lives or work. That requires more than accessible wording. Objectives, messages and formats need to fit the people you want to reach.
Research Projects & Consortia
Communicate objectives, methods and results in ways that make their scientific and societal relevance clear
Foundations, Associations & Public Institutions
Make knowledge accessible, enable informed debate and include different social perspectives
Research & Development Teams
Position complex innovations clearly for customers, employees, policymakers and the public
Services at a glance
The right support depends on the project phase, existing structures and your objectives. Individual services can be combined flexibly.
Communications Strategy
Systematically define objectives, target audiences, topics and channels for science communication
Positioning & Core Messages
Clarify what a research project stands for, why it matters and which messages should be remembered
Audience Analysis
Take account of different audiences’ expectations, prior knowledge and potential barriers
Research & Project Communication
Support research projects communicatively from launch and interim results through to publication
Content & Storytelling
Develop websites, project pages, expert articles, interviews and explanatory content that are accessible and technically sound
Knowledge Transfer
Present findings so they can be taken up in policy, business, education and society
Dialogue Formats & Events
Design panels, workshops, science talks and participatory formats for the relevant audiences
Moderation & Talks
Facilitate expert events, panel discussions and public dialogues in a structured, accessible and engaging way
SHORT ANSWER
What makes good science communication?
Good science communication does not simply translate research into supposedly “simple” language. It creates context, explains why a topic matters and enables informed exchange between science and society.
Key Facts
- The starting point is the research project’s objectives and target audiences
- Clarity without distorting scientific content
- Different points of access for different audiences and levels of prior knowledge
- Transparent communication about limitations, uncertainties and open research questions
- Dialogue and listening as integral parts of communication
Science communication is more than public relations
Science PR and strategic science communication overlap in many areas, but they often differ in their tasks and objectives.
Science PR
- Information about projects, publications and events
- Engagement with media and specialist audiences
- Press releases, news items and editorial content
- Building awareness and visibility
Strategic Science Communication
- Placing research in its wider societal context
- Addressing different audiences and levels of prior knowledge
- Developing information, dialogue and knowledge-transfer formats
- Building understanding, exchange and trust
The two areas can complement one another effectively. Public visibility only helps, however, when people can understand why a research topic matters and place its findings in context.
Reduce complexity without losing substance
Science communication operates in a demanding field of tension. Statements need to be understandable without becoming misleading or distorted. At the same time, scientific topics first have to gain attention in an increasingly crowded information environment.
Before choosing a format, several fundamental questions need to be answered:
- What is relevant to the specific audience?
- What prior knowledge can reasonably be assumed?
- Which terms require explanation?
- Where are there uncertainties or potential areas of conflict?
- What form of exchange best suits the topic?
The answers form the basis for communication that remains scientifically precise while still reaching people beyond the immediate research field.
Scientific perspective meets communications practice
With a doctorate in communication studies, I know academic work from my own research and teaching. At the same time, I have advised companies and organisations on complex communications challenges since 2009.
This has given me a deep understanding both of the demands of scientific accuracy and of the challenges involved in communicating clearly to different audiences.
Together, we structure specialist content, clarify its relevance and develop formats that fit both the project and the people it aims to reach. The focus is on well-founded communication that makes connections understandable and builds trust.
Possible Formats
Different formats may be suitable depending on the topic, audience and communications objective.
Communications strategies for research projects and consortia
Project websites and digital topic hubs
Expert articles, interviews and editorial content
Explanatory copy, infographics and audiovisual content
Workshops for researchers and project teams
Panels, round-table discussions and science talks
Dialogue and participation formats
Talks, keynotes and science slams
Moderation of scientific and professional events
We determine the right format based on the topic, target audience and intended impact. Not every project needs a large campaign. Sometimes a clear project page or a well-designed dialogue format is enough to create the right point of access.
Frequently asked questions about science communication
Science communication includes all strategic and practical activities that make research, scientific methods and findings accessible to different audiences. This can include communications strategies, project websites, editorial content, events, dialogue formats, talks and moderation.
Science PR often focuses on media relations and public visibility. Science communication is broader and also addresses explanation, dialogue, participation and knowledge transfer. In practice, the two areas can work very well together.
Good communication does not change the substance of the science. It reduces linguistic and structural barriers, explains necessary context and deals openly with limitations or uncertainty. Scientific precision and accessibility are not mutually exclusive.
My approach is interdisciplinary. Collaboration is particularly useful for complex topics, subjects that require explanation or areas with societal sensitivity. Specialist details are coordinated closely with the researchers and project leads involved.
Yes. Support can range from developing a communications strategy to producing copy, project pages and event formats. Workshops, talks and moderation can also be part of the project.
Yes. I analyse existing websites, content, messages, channels and formats and turn that into concrete recommendations for structure, clarity, audience targeting and next steps.
Dr. Julien BobineauCommunications ConsultantGet in touch with no obligation
In 30 minutes, we can clarify whether and how I can support you effectively.
- Free introductory call
- Personal consultation