Insights from meeting with Munich Science Communication Lab

Hello everyone! I’m back with another post, this time I will tell you about our session learning about the Munich Science Communication Lab!

This time we got to meet Bernhard Goodwin, executive director and board member of the Munich Science Communication Lab (MSCL), and it was an inspiring experience. MSCL is a non-profit research and practice centre structured as an initiative of scientists and communicators designed to bridge academic research about science communication. It was founded in 2021 and is hosted by the Department of Media and Communication at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.

Bernhard shared fascinating insights into MSCL’s current focus on Planetary Health, where they explore how planetary systems (for example climate, eco- or food systems) and human health are deeply intertwined. I found it particularly interesting how they explore the impact of environmental factors such as heat waves or rising stress levels on society, for example how these can affect crime or general well-being. A major aim in MSCL’s work is to communicate complex research to diverse audiences and to enable researchers and communicators from different disciplines to collaborate effectively. Truly very inspiring!

Furthermore, Bernhard told us about how MSCL connects numerous research institutions and disciplines. To name a few examples he mentioned IFKW (Institute for Communication Science and Media Research at LMU), the Faculty of Geography, Biology, Physics, Medicine, and the Rachel Carson Center. They also work with partner organisations such as the Deutsches Museum, Mediaschool Bayern, Helmholtz Munich, SNSB and TUM.

MSCL reminds me of the swedish initiative Vetenskap & Allmänhet (Public & Science Sweden), an organisation that seeks to connect researchers and the public ( https://vetenskapallmanhet.se/ ). VA works together with different swedish universities as well as organisations and private individuals. They describe the importance of their work the following way:

“We are convinced that dialogue is a cornerstone of our democratic society, and a necessity for research to lead to solutions to the challenges our society faces.” I don’t think MSCL disagrees with this statement.

Talking with Bernhard left me reflecting on the power of science communication, with its ability to inspire curiosity, connect people, and make research truly meaningful for society. I truly believe that the work MSCL is doing is very valuable.

Stay tuned for my next post!