On June 17 and 18, 2026, more than 90 science communicators from all five sections of the Leibniz Association gathered at PRIF to discuss current developments and debates in science communication: Together with the Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education (DIPF), the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research (SAFE), and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, PRIF hosted the annual meeting of the Leibniz Association’s Communication Working Group in Frankfurt.
Following a welcome address on behalf of the Spokespersons’ Committee by Christoph Herbort-von Loeper, Dr. Stefan Kroll delivered a keynote speech addressing the question of (political) positioning in peace and conflict research. Following this, the Leibniz science communicators engaged in discussions with one another:
In barcamps and moderated workshops, they addressed current topics in science communication within the Leibniz Association. They held practical discussions on content strategies and community building on social media, the design of institute magazines, and the planning and evaluation of large-scale events. They also reflected on their own understanding of their role and their stance as communicators, and engaged in the currently unavoidable discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in research, knowledge transfer, and science communication, as well as on current political developments. Coffee breaks, a dinner in Sachsenhausen, and, last but not least, a guided tour of the Senckenberg Natural History Museum also provided opportunities for informal conversations among colleagues.
In another presentation, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexandra W. Busch, Vice President of the Leibniz Association and Director General of the Leibniz Center for Archaeology LEIZA spoke about new priority topics planned by the Leibniz Association that will impact research within the association in the future – and thus also science communication.
The Working Group serves as a platform for exchange and networking among press and communications officers across member institutions of the Leibniz Association. Through regular conferences and workshops, the network is dedicated to sharing experiences on current developments and topics in science communication.