Thematic Focus

Science Communication

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Science communication is essential for an informed, dialogue-oriented and open society. It is currently facing new challenges, both societal and technological. We are fulfilling our responsibility as a foundation that promotes science and are positioning the field of science communication for the future.

Science communication is key to a democratic future.

Georg Schütte, Vorstand VolkswagenStiftung

We aim to shape our commitment to science communication in a way that is sustainable, impact-oriented and structure-building, so that science can be even more effective as a resource for a democratic, evidence-based society.

We focus our activities in the field of science communication on:

Network building by connecting different (international) players and stakeholders
Trialling and scaling up new formats
Development of future scenarios: fundamental changes driven by technology in knowledge production, science and science communication

Facts & Figures

Four centres for science communication research have been receiving funding of around 23 million euros since 2021
Additional funding for science communication: around 3 million euros across four funding rounds
Web talk: "Treffpunkt Wissenschaftskommunikation"
Ideas competitions

Position and funding activities

#Science communication

Here you will find further information on our position and on our funding activities relating to science communication.

Our stance on science communication

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Funding Offer 16 July 2026

Perspectives on Wealth – Ideas Competition for Knowledge Transfer

Ein Baum wächst aus einem Karteikartenfach.

In Brief 03 December 2025

Call for Contributions: Living Handbook of Science Communication and Science Studies

viele Menschen um einen "Buzzer" versammelt

Story 05 October 2022

Volkswagen Foundation: 60 years of science funding

Rhine Ruhr Center

Story 12 July 2022

Exploring science communication: The RRC

Header MSCL

Story 30 May 2022

Exploring science communication: The MSCL

Header RHET AI Center

Story 24 May 2022

Exploring science communication: The RHET AI Center

Story #Science communication

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So that everyone can have their say: Citizens' assembly on AI research

A story about the rhetorician Anika Kaiser

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