Facilitator: Maria Hagardt
Petra Pansegrau, Bielefeld University
Teaching Science Communication with and for Climate Tram
Integrating applied science communication into university and research teaching can be challenging. In collaboration with Scientists for Future, a project at Bielefeld University in 2022 aimed to address this by developing scientifically accurate materials on anthropogenic climate change. These materials were then displayed on a climate tram traveling through the city, making science accessible to passengers in their everyday environments. This approach shows that science communication doesn’t have to be a destination—it can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Students worked on creating high-quality materials tailored to specific audiences and learned about the public sphere, media appropriateness, and the limitations of public spaces. The session may include photos and videos to showcase the project’s impact.
Jana Wendler, Victoria Shennan, and Iris Geigenmueller, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Comparing maps and sharing tools: a snapshot from an emergent Public Engagement Training community
The Training Exchange held by the Berlin School of Public Engagement in November 2024 brought together 32 practitioners from Germany, Austria, Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands to explore common themes in Public Engagement (PE) professional development. Over two days, participants reflected and discussed, focusing on continuous learning in PE and the professionalisation of PE training through creative methods and strategic policy engagement. This talk offers a snapshot of the collective discussions and invites further conversations about how this emerging community, alongside networks like EUSEA, can evolve.
Elisabeth Frankus and Elrich Griessler, Institute for Advanced Studies
Climate Assemblies: Empowering Citizens for Resilient Climate Action
As the climate crisis intensifies, involving citizens in decision-making is crucial for building resilient societies. Climate assemblies (CAs) are one proven method, enabling citizens to collaboratively address climate challenges while considering local cultural, social, and environmental contexts.
Through the CLIMAS project, 76 regional and national CAs in Europe were analyzed to improve citizen participation in climate policy. Findings reveal that adapting to local contexts and incorporating innovative technologies are essential for enhancing the inclusiveness and effectiveness of future CAs. The lessons learned will help develop guidelines for better integrating citizen participation into climate policy.
This presentation will explore the cultural, social, and political barriers that still need to be addressed to strengthen the impact of CAs.