Wissenschaft im Dialog

Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD) is the central organization of science for science communication in Germany. Founded in 1999 on the initiative of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and supported by leading German science organizations as well as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, WiD works to strengthen the dialogue between science and society[2][3].

The mission of WiD is to shape societal change with knowledge and to promote an open, democratic society. WiD is committed to broad and inclusive science communication that reaches people of all ages and educational backgrounds. The organization advocates for the fascination of research among children, adolescents, and young adults and supports scientists in explaining their research work to a wide audience[2][3].

• Information and Discussion Platforms: WiD operates the portal Wissenschaftskommunikation.de, a central information and discussion platform on the topic of science communication in the German-speaking world. Here, professional communicators and scientists find a virtual space for exchanging practical experiences, guest contributions, overview articles, and interviews[4].
• Training and Further Education: WiD offers target group-oriented training and further education to strengthen skills in science communication. Examples include train-the-trainer programs and summer schools that address topics such as dealing with hostility in science communication[5].
• Networking and Connection: The organization serves as a network for the exchange of best practice examples and promotes the networking of various actors in science communication[2][4].
• Projects and Initiatives: WiD conducts various projects that develop new formats for science communication, provide impulses, promote networking and exchange, and enable dialogue. Examples include the Science Barometer, the university competition mit:forschen!, and the traveling exhibition Power2Change[5].