/eu-workshop-in-brussels LEKKERWERKEN – Design & Media Communication

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09.02.2009

EU Workshop in Brussels

On January 21th 2009 Lekkerwerken and eight international experts from science and media were invited by the European Commission to a workshop in Brussels.

The intention of this one-day discussion was the development of ideas and methods on how material research at European level could be communicated effectively toward target groups that have little or no scientific background. Among these groups are industry, journalists, NGO's, children and the broad public.


brussels_workshop_sdme

The »SDME building« of European Commission with its scientific departments in Brussels.

 

After a short review on previous marketing activities in the fields of nanotechnology and materials research by the employees of the commission the participants have been asked for opening statements on the subject and afterwards discussed about possible recommendations.

Sebastian Cremer, Lekkerwerken, presented edutainment projects, such as www.nanoreisen.de and www.techtower.de, where an emotional appeal and a playful intermediation with complex technical issues were the main focus. For developing enthusiastic communication for a broad public he recommended a close co-operation between scientific »insiders« and the common »outsider«, such as communication designers, artists and journalists. In order to sensibilise for scientific subjects only a strong visual appearance could ensure the necessary attention.


brussels_fp7

EU Science projects are supported in the context of »FP7 - Framework Programme for Research«

 

The recommendations of the other experts pointed to similar directions. It was suggested to concentrate on visions such as sustainability or renewable energies while communicating materials research. Because it is not the material itself, in which the target groups are interested, it is rather the benefit from the new products and innovative applications. Contact with researchers and R&D facilities should provide young people the opportunities of a scientific career. At least the scientists themselves should be supported with e.g. communication trainings in order to share their research with a broad target group.

The ratings and recommendations are kept in minutes that are common usage at European Commission. These minutes and conlusions will be published and are the basis for future calls for proposals and subsidies through the European Commission.