Pathways to Dialogue: When Science Meets Creativity
From July 14–20, 2025, the scenic Zinzendorfhaus near Erfurt became the creative home for the Science Communication Summer School of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. Organized in collaboration with a team of experienced science communicators, the program brought together over 50 students and PhD researchers to explore the art of science communication—through podcasting, strategic dialogue, and above all: storytelling.
For Annette Klinkert from our city2science team, this year’s summerschool focused on the power of narrative to create emotional connections between science and society. She was joined by Andrea Brunello, Science Theatre Director, actor and playwright from Trento, Italy. Guided by two engaged facilitators, participants dove into a week full of interactive workshops, creative labs, and inspiring performance sessions.
Three Focus Tracks – One Shared Goal
In this year’s summerschool, participants joined one of three thematic working groups:
-
AG I – Strategic Science Communication
Led by Philipp Schrögel, Philipp Niemann, Liliann Fischer and Chris Spatschek, this group explored formats, target audiences, and digital tools for effective science outreach. The focus: clarity, creativity, and strategy in communicating complex research. -
AG II – Podcast Production A–Z
Under the guidance of Sven-Daniel Gettys, participants developed their own podcast episodes—from concept and storytelling to sound editing, jingles and social media strategy. The result: fresh audio formats that translate research into engaging listening experiences. -
AG III – Pathways to Dialogue: The Art of Scientific Storytelling
Facilitated by Andrea Brunello and city2science’s Annette Klinkert, this group immersed themselves in the emotional and theatrical dimensions of science storytelling. Using tools from theatre, narrative theory and performance, participants created original stage pieces that brought personal and scientific stories to life.
Highlights and Atmosphere
The week was filled with hands-on creativity: from morning theatre exercises in the park, to LEGO persona scenarios in the afternoon, or bonfire storytelling in the evening, inviting all participants to share personal stories of transformation, reflection, and resilience.
The final showcase was a powerful testimony to the participants’ growth: We witnessed four original performances that combined scientific insight with personal expression. From poetic metaphors of cellular division to the internal monologue of a collapsing bridge, these stories demonstrated how science communication can become a vehicle for empathy, understanding, and connection.
Reflections
The Science Communication Summer School 2025 once again proved: when young scientists are given the space to experiment, reflect, and create, they don’t just learn to communicate better—they discover new ways of seeing their own research and its role in society.
city2science is proud to be part of this journey. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of dialogue in science—and we’re excited to keep exploring these paths together with colleagues from all over Europe!
