TUM Empowers Researchers with Media Training to Enhance Science Communication

TUM Empowers Researchers with Media Training to Enhance Science Communication

(IN BRIEF) The TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning is helping its researchers sharpen their science communication skills through specialized media training. The training, aimed at improving public engagement, includes practical exercises and strategies for researchers to communicate their work effectively. Professors Stefania Centrone, Julia Steinhoff-Wagner, and Markus Ploner shared how the courses helped them better navigate media interactions, with Steinhoff-Wagner noting how it improved her confidence in interviews and Centrone highlighting how the training expanded her speaking opportunities. The training is part of TUM’s broader Faculty@TUM program, which offers advanced educational opportunities for its professors. The upcoming workshops will continue to support the university’s goal of fostering effective science communication.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 29-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Effective communication of scientific work is crucial in today’s society, and the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning is equipping researchers with the skills needed to excel in this area. Through targeted media training programs, TUM provides its researchers with the tools to confidently engage with the media and share the significance of their research with a wider audience. We spoke to three professors who recently completed media training to reflect on their experiences.

Prof. Stefania Centrone, a professor of Philosophy of Science at TUM, was particularly drawn to the holistic nature of the training. She appreciated how it made her aware of the ways in which the media can distort statements by publishing them without adequate context or reference. “The course on ‘Personal Branding in Social Media’ was especially valuable. It gave me practical strategies to establish a strong presence on social platforms. Moreover, the training helped me practice summarizing my research in simple terms, which I found incredibly helpful,” said Centrone. The training proved fruitful for her career, leading to invitations to speak at prestigious conferences such as the Leibniz Association’s event in Hanover and the German Informatics Society’s annual meeting. Centrone stressed that many professors are not trained in communication, yet it is vital for scientists to take an active role in public discourse. “Without this, we risk leaving the field to others who may speak confidently but lack the necessary scientific expertise,” she added.

Prof. Julia Steinhoff-Wagner, a professor of Animal Nutrition and Metabolism at TUM, found the hands-on aspect of the training particularly valuable. She recalled an exercise where professional interviewers attempted to push participants into making statements they did not agree with. “This situation is a fear many of us face in live interviews. Being able to handle it with poise and then discussing alternative approaches was incredibly empowering,” Steinhoff-Wagner explained. After the training, she felt more confident when responding to media requests, even eagerly anticipating an upcoming interview. “The small-group setting fostered trust and allowed for interdisciplinary collaboration, making the event even more enriching,” she said.

Prof. Markus Ploner, a professor of Human Pain Research at TUM, noted that the training helped refine his communication skills through both practical exercises and interaction with engaged colleagues. “It was an opportunity to learn from others and improve my own communication methods with the help of professional trainers. The training emphasized how important it is to communicate clearly and motivationally, even across disciplinary boundaries,” Ploner explained. He found the experience enjoyable and insightful, and strongly recommends the program to others.

The media training sessions are part of TUM’s Faculty@TUM initiative, which provides TUM professors with continuing education to enhance their skills. The TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning also offers advanced programs for specialists and managers, ensuring that TUM remains at the forefront of scientific and professional development.

Upcoming Training: TUM professors can register for upcoming events, including a virtual Lunch Talk on science communication best practices on February 20 and the online workshop “Personal Branding with Social Media” starting February 25.

Media Contacts:

Corporate Communications Center
magazin@tum.de

presse@tum.de

Contacts to this article:

Dr. Johanna Platter
TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning
Tel: +49 89 289 26780
johanna.platter@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich