The Munich Science Communication Lab Secures Continued Funding from VolkswagenFoundation

The Munich Science Communication Lab, founded in 2021, has been awarded more than €2 million in additional funding from the VolkswagenFoundation for a further three-years period. This decision underscores the success of MSCL’s unique model of integrating research and practice in science communication.

Since its establishment, MSCL has focused on Planetary Health Communication – hence, communicating the interconnections between human health and the health of natural ecosystems. This has inspired research projects and led to conferences and publications, but also to initiatives aimed at a wider audience. The second funding phase will further strengthen MSCL’s research activities. While Planetary Health Communication will remain a core theme, MSCL will broaden its scope to include additional critical topics such as communicating antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence, and uncertainty in science communication. In these contexts, the lab will place increased emphasis on understanding what makes science communication impactful, resilient, and constructive in a rapidly changing societal context.

Informed by scientific methods, the MSCL has developed a diverse portfolio of activities, including workshops, film screenings, panel discussions, guided tours, social media campaigns, and exhibitions. One particularly prominent example is the current special exhibition “Planetary Health – One Planet. One Health. Our Future.” at the Deutsches Museum. The exhibition explores the complex relationships between climate change, nutrition, biodiversity, and human health, making scientific insights accessible to a diverse audience. It is running until end September in Munich.

A defining feature of the MSCL’s work is its strong emphasis on evaluation. MSCL systematically assesses whether its initiatives reach their target audiences, how messages are understood and how science communication strategies can be improved. During the initial funding phase, numerous internal and external projects were evaluated – efforts that will now be significantly expanded.

Collaboration remains at the heart of MSCL’s success. Existing partnerships will be maintained and further strengthened, while new collaborations will be actively established. In particular, MSCL will cooperate with its three core supporters: Deutsches Museum, AHA – The Science Communication Hub, and LMU Media Relations and Communication, as well as additional practice and research partners. This multi-layered and growing network forms the foundation for MSCL’s long-term sustainability and continued development.

VolkswagenFoundation´s funding decision also reflects the strong trust placed in MSCL by its funders, stakeholders, and partner institutions. It supports the MSCL’s mission to sustainably integrate research, evaluation, knowledge transfer, and training in science communication as well as further consolidate its role as a leading institution in evidence-based and socially relevant science communication research.