Briefly analysed
Science communication and public engagement do not stand side by side. The former is part of the latter. Because besides just communicating research, it is also about inspiration, consultation, collaboration and exchange. The exchange with citizens leads to a greater impact than just communicating. Both scientists and society benefit from this. For this to become a matter of course in Germany, a common codex is needed. As a basis for ones own work, it also serves to ensure the quality of public engagement. Moreover, the principles could accelerate the process of establishing the field. If there is a consensus on what public engagement must achieve, practitioners can achieve more – both at policy and university level.
Structure In the long run, public engagement is the only way to ensure that science reaches all segments of the population in a sustainable way. Why a codex could advance the field.
Public engagement is not established as a field in Germany – in contrast to English-speaking countries in particular. Therefore, practitioners often do not understand it in the same way. In order to change this and for everyone to pursue similar goals, a codex is needed. It provides principles that can be used as a basis for one’s own work. At the same time it serves as a quality assurance. So a common basis is important for the further development of the field.
Cooperation between different fields
If everyone pursues the same goals, their voice carries more weight. This means that practitioners can have more influence on the political and university level. That public engagement becomes a standard in Germany. Therfore the codex helps to promote a cultural change in the science system.
Currently, practitioners from the field and experts from other areas are developing the codex in a co-creative exchange. Everyone can participate. If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Beiter and Patrick Klügel from Cyber Valley.
Codex as a process accelerator?
In the long run, practitioners build a relationship with citizens through exchange. By investing time and resources to understand how to reach them. Also, by talking to them, scientists find out which research topics they should explore more and get inspiration. Conversely, citizens have the opportunity to better understand scientific processes and have their voices heard.
It will certainly take a while for public engagement to become established in Germany. It will also take time for the majority to see science communication as a part of public engagement and to realise that the latter has a lasting effect through dialogue formats and cooperation. The codex could accelerate this process.