The Transfer Unit is a joint project of Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD) and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW). The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

 

Goals

The Transfer Unit promotes the exchange between science communication research and science communication practice. Our goal is to provide practitioners with access to research findings that are relevant to their work. At the same time, we want to provide insights into the needs of science communication practice and encourage the inclusion of these perspectives in the development of new research projects. By that, we want to support evidence-oriented science communication and establish a continuous dialog between research and practice. The closer exchange between research and practice can make an important contribution to high quality in science communication.

Activities

Gathering, reflecting on, and systematizing knowledge

In the fall of 2022, we conducted a first survey to identify the needs and questions of science communication practitioners in the German speaking community. To ensure we can continue to address these questions and needs, we conducted a follow-up survey in the summer of 2026. Based on these findings, we systematically compile the current state of research on relevant topics. To this end, we carry out research overviews and brief reports, and conduct Delphi studies as well as systematic and scoping reviews that synthesize findings from communication studies, psychology, sociology, linguistics, and other disciplines. In addition to the synthesis and systematization of practice-relevant research findings, the state of research is also evaluated in terms of scientific significance and societal relevance.

Putting knowledge into practice

We prepare our findings specifically for science communication practitioners, making them accessible and easy to use. For this purpose, we have worked closely with practitioners to develop formats that enable practitioners to engage intuitively with research findings and thus offer immediate practical value for work in science communication. Alongside reports, Delphi studies, research overviews and reviews, we publish materials such as infographics and how-to guides that convey relevant implications and findings in a practical and accessible way.

Bridging the gap: Fostering ongoing exchange between research and practice

We also promote a direct exchange between researchers and practitioners. Through events like regular lunch talks and our conference, we bring both communities together to share experiences, discuss research findings from different perspectives and explore how we can work together to strengthen science communication.