For Clear and Credible Science Communication
DAAD project at Chemnitz University of Technology and the University of Zaragoza researches the language of science communication to improve media competence
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Graphic: Jacob Müller (Photo: Mikael Blomkvist/Pexels)
"Science communication is based on trust in science. However, with the advent of accessible generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, anyone can create credible-sounding texts and simulate expertise - with potentially harmful consequences," says Marina Ivanova, researcher at the Chair of English and Digital Linguistics at Chemnitz University of Technology. This is why the DAAD project she has acquired, “I, Expert: Media competence for science through linguistics” aims to provide linguistic support to researchers so that they can disseminate their findings credibly. It is also important that the scientific information can be effectively digested by citizens and that their media competence is developed too so that they can distinguish disinformation from serious science journalism.
In the project, which is funded by the DAAD program “Higher Education Dialogue with Southern Europe” with 13,000 euros, Chemnitz University of Technology is cooperating with researchers from the field of science communication at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). During a conference in Chemnitz (7–8 October 2024) and a summer school in Zaragoza (19–21 November 2024), students, doctoral candidates and researchers will discuss what constitutes the different genres of science communication and how these genres advance (or threaten) media competence. In addition, the project partners will create and publish a collection of annotated examples of common science communication genres such as press releases, social media posts or short descriptions. In this way, the project team aims to make the language of science communication more accessible and promote media competence for science through linguistics.
Further information on the project: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/phil/english/sections/edling/research/scicom.php
Contact: Dr. Marina Ivanova, Tel. +49 371 531-34037, E-Mail marina.ivanova@phil.tu-chemnitz.de
(Translation: Dr. Marina Ivanova)
Mario Steinebach
04.07.2024
