Excursion to the ITAS as part of MA-seminar Behavior Change [03.07.24]
On June 14, the participants of the Master's seminar “Behavior Change” (elective focus area of studies: knowledge communication) visited the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) in Karlsruhe. In addition to its role as the world-leading institute in its field, the ITAS operates Karl9, a space for exchange between citizens and those involved in science, in the center of Karlsruhe. Karl9 was the focus of the excursion.
Meike Hebich (Event Management & Public Relations at ITAS) introduced the students to the exhibitions, discussion events, and workshops held at Karl9, e.g., on the topic of urban greening in Karlsruhe. In addition, citizen science, inclusive events, and the resulting knowledge communication were discussed.
In the afternoon, other professionals from the media industry joined Karl9 via Zoom meetings. Thomas Weiss reported not only on his work in program coordination at ARTE Deutschland, but also, together with Jannis Funk and Jakob Schmidt (Eschata (production company)), on current ARTE projects that touch on the field of knowledge communication. One example is “Whom are we allowed to eat?” (RB/ARTE), which the students viewed ahead of the excursion and gave feedback on. The day was rounded off by Johanne Burkhardt, who works as a science journalist for e.g. das Wissen (SWR) or Wissen Weekly (Spotify). Amongst others, she discussed the Wissen Weekly episode “Dopamin Detox” and how it succeeded in changing the behavior of the seminar’s participants regarding their smartphone use.
In addition to the professional exchange on the topic of knowledge communication and behavior change, the speakers also discussed career prospects after graduation. Various fields of work, ranging from science communication to journalism, were highlighted and contacts with the aforementioned professionals were established.
- Jennifer Mazur, lecturer
