How to Communicate in the Political Space?

On January 29-30, 2025, Helmholtz SynCom and the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM) jointly organized a workshop to support German-speaking researchers interested in political communication.

The goal of the workshop was to convey the basics of political communication and to highlight communication approaches and instruments for the science-policy dialogue. The 30 participants from more than 15 different organizations also benefited from an intensive exchange of experiences.

Key Aspects and Challenges in the Science-Policy Dialogue

Workshop lead Tome Sandevski (Goethe University Frankfurt) gave broad insights into the topic of science communication, focusing on the exchange with politics and administration. In addition to the presentation of political processes, the role of scientific expertise in political decision-making processes was discussed. Participants were also given an overview of various science-policy formats and knowledge exchange structures between research and politics/administration. Helmholtz SynCom brought along some examples in the form of fact sheets and policy briefs synthesizing Earth system research from the Helmholtz Research Field Earth & Environment. These products were emphasized on the second workshop day in personal discussions with representatives from politics as positive examples of the clear presentation of evidence-based options for action for environmental and climate policy. In an interactive exercise, the researchers identified characteristics of a good science-policy publication. According to these discussions, such publications should i) contain a summary of the key messages, ii) be as concise as possible in order to take account for the lack of time in politics, iii) integrate infographics/visual representations and iv) contain the main statements in the headlines wherever possible.

The second day focused on the exchange of experiences in the science-policy area. The researchers were given insights into successful science communication by Dr Torsten Fischer (Head of Communications and Media, Helmholtz Centre Hereon), both through personal experiences and examples from the Helmholtz Centre Hereon with its approximately 1000 employees.

In an interactive session with three representatives from politics and administration - Tyark Reddig (research assistant in the German Bundestag), Dr. Manuela Krakau (BMUV officer) and Dr. Heike Kaupp (Head of Department at the Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment) - insights into their respective areas of responsibility were provided and the role of scientific expertise was highlighted. Together, they discussed, which approaches to dialogue between science and practice and the provision of knowledge for decision-makers work particularly well, and where optimization is needed. The dialogue showed, among other things, that it is not about presenting a desired ‘ideal solution’, but about highlighting various options for action and possible solutions that can be taken into account in a framework for action. It is also helpful to point out ‘red lines’, i.e., clear boundaries and indispensable conditions. In addition, it was emphasized that options for action from science gain in importance if they are developed jointly and across institutions. In this context, the German Marine Research Alliance was emphasized by guests as a positive example. It also strengthens the dialogue between science and politics, industry, and civil society by bringing together different stakeholders. Through its interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary formats (e.g., parliamentary evenings), it enables researchers to contribute their findings to the political process in a targeted manner and to support decision-makers.

What Really Matters

The following key points for communication in the political arena can be derived from the content inputs, the personal exchange of experiences, and the discussions with the representatives from the political arena:

• Needs-based communication: Scientific findings should be communicated in an understandable and solution-orientated way (e.g., by presenting scenarios) so that they can be taken into account in political decision-making processes. At the same time, it is important to choose the right time to present scientific findings. Suitable opportunities are, for example, coalition negotiations or the preparation of draft legislation (so-called draft bills), as scientific principles can be introduced most effectively in these decisive phases.
• (Interaction) Formats: There are various ways for researchers to promote exchange (e.g., parliamentary events, policy briefs and fact sheets, personal speeches, participation in committees). The selection should be based on the research institution's objectives and communication strategy, but should also take into account personal strengths and preferences. Representatives of politics and administration often come into contact with science on the fringes of events such as parliamentary evenings, scientific conferences or stakeholder platforms.
• Researchers as ‚Honest Brokers’: The role of science is to provide scientific facts and knowledge – presented in an understandable and practical way, always taking into account the respective target audience. In dialogue with political actors, it is crucial to address socially relevant issues and present them in a context that can be used in practice. Awareness of the different working methods of science and politics - particularly with regard to time logic (long-term research processes vs. the need to react quickly and pragmatically to current events or social needs), priorities, and approaches - is crucial in order to set realistic expectations and shape the dialogue between science and politics constructively. Transparent communication about the state of research, uncertainties, and possible impacts on society, the environment, and the economy strengthens trust in the quality of scientific support for political decision-making. It is important to clearly separate this objective from science policy goals (e.g., funding certain areas of research).

Particularly in politically challenging times, there is a risk of scientific findings being deliberately instrumentalized or distorted or that they will not even be included in decisive discourses. At the same time, disinformation and deliberate polarization make public debate more difficult and pose new challenges for scientific institutions as a whole. In order to both preserve the integrity of scientific findings and promote public discourse, it is crucial to facilitate a constructive exchange.

Overall, the participating researchers gained a valuable basis for communication at a political level. They received tools for communicating their research findings in a generally understandable way and were sensitized to the requirements of communicating with political actors.

Conception and organization: Tome Sandevski (Goethe University Frankfurt), Paulina Conrad (DAM) and Dr. Katharina Sielemann (Helmholtz SynCom).