Science communication and the role of young researchers in times of crisis

Vice-Rector Mireille van Poppel opened the Doctoral Academy Day. Photo: Uni Graz/Angele

What is the best way to communicate your own research? And are researchers allowed to engage in activism? These were the questions the participants asked themselves of this year's Doctoral Academy Day.

Climate change, pandemics and political crises - recent years have shown how important scientifically sound information is for everyday life. This increases the pressure on researchers to share their findings outside their own community. On November 23, the Doctoral Academy invited PhD researchers, Master's students and their supervisors to Unicorn to discuss this role as mediators.

"Our research provides answers and solutions to important questions about the future. If we don't communicate them, these questions will be answered by others who may pursue negative interests," emphasizes Lydia Lienhart, doctoral candidate at the Wegener Center at the University of Graz. She runs a YouTube channel in which she explains the economic aspects of climate change, such as the CO2 tax.

The aim of the annual Doctoral Academy Day is to create a platform for exchange and discussion for young scientists. Anyone interested in a career in science should take a look at the Doctoral Academy website.

Michael Angele

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