Scientific communication: Excellent researchers and excellent journalists

October 20, 2016

„If wellknown scientists deliver new, pioneering scientific results to professional journalists, they ensure a well-grounded format and a mass-media spread. That is how research results ideally reach the general public”, said Volker Stollorz, chief editor and managing director of the science media center in Cologne.

In the eleventh seminar of the Competence Cluster Diet-Body-Brain, the biologist presented positive and negative examples of scientific communication to around 30 participants at the University of Bonn.

„Good journalists show responsibility and use trustworthy sources," reported Stollorz. "Particularly important is a careful selection of recognized experts on the respective topic. Journalists should work based on facts. They should not exaggerate research results and should not raise unfounded expectation”, added the science editor.

Equally important is the role of research. An early and open presentation of the research process, its milestones and limits contributes to an open discussion on complex scientific findings. Freely accessible scientific sources also enable well-grounded research of results with practical relevance.

Volker Stollorz spoke up for a good cooperation between the media, science, politics and society. He also encouraged professional training for journalists in research methods: "This promotes quality in science journalism.“ His appeal to the researchers: "Authorize access to your expertise, then supposed experts have fewer chances to spread half-truths."

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