May 20-21, 2025: Science Communication as Knowledge Transfer: European Best Practices & Perspectives

In a world characterized by rapid scientific and technological developments, the transfer of knowledge from science to society is becoming increasingly important. While the traditional concept of knowledge transfer typically focuses on industry collaborations and the commercialization of research findings, other forms of transfer—such as science policy, science communication, and public engagement—are equally vital: Only by considering and implimenting both perspectives—practical application and societal awareness of research—can research institutions ensure that scientific knowledge benefits society at large.

Bringing together researchers, science communicators, managers, policymakers, and industry experts, this event serves as a platform for discussing different approaches to knowledge transfer and science communication, exploring synergies, and generating new ideas for the European Research Innovation & Transfer (RIT) landscape.

With panel discussions, best practice pitches, workshops, and a closing barcamp session, the event is designed for both experienced transfer practitioners and newcomers, as well as interested parties from research, research management, and industry.

Registration is required, and participation is free of charge. A livestream of the public sessions is planned.

Event Schedule

Day 1 – 20.05.2025 - Helmholtz-Institut Mainz

9:30 - 10:00  Registration
10:00-10:15  Welcoming words by Prof. Stephan Jolie (vice president JGU) and Dr. Nicole Birkle (General Secretary FORTHEM)
10:15 – 11:15 

Panel Discussion  

What is knowledge transfer? On the role of Science Communication, Science Policy and the Notion of Transfer in Academia

  • Jun.-Prof. Elena Link, Chair of Science Communication at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz  
  • Dr. Patrick Honecker, Chief Communication Officer of Technical University of Darmstadt
  • Dr. Jason Pridmore, Erasmus University Rotterdam & Coordinator COALESCE
  • Dr. Mario Scharfbillig, Science for Policy Analyst at European Commission

Moderator: Tome Sandevski, EngageGreen & Mercator Science-Policy Fellowship- Programme

11:15- 11:30  Break 
11:30- 12:15

Keynote:

Communication ecosystem: Challenges and strategies to better research communication and engagement processes within Universities and research Institutions

Dr. Leonardo Alfonsi - Scientific Director Psiquadro social enterprise & General Manager FameLab Italy

12:15 - 12:30 

Transfer @ FORTHEM

Dr. Nicole Birkle & Dr. Wojciech Opiola

12:30 - 13:30  Lunch 
13:30 - 14:45 

SciCom Snippets: Best practice of science communication & knowledge transfer across Europe 

 Pitches à 7 minutes from

  • FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix
  • Wisskomm Academy
  • “Dream Day” University of Agder
  • RMU Policy Dialogue Programme
  • EngageGreen
  • COALESCE
15:00-17:00  Workshops 

  • Science and research communication: how to communicate to the publics 
  • From research to policy engagement: An overview on policy engagement formats for scientists and science managers. Lessons learned from the EngageGreen project and the Mercator Science-Policy Fellowship- Programme

Day 2 – 21.05.2025 - Helmholtz-Institut Mainz

10:00-10:15  Welcoming words by Dr. Michael Fuchs, Head of JGU Transfer Unit
10:15-11:00 

Keynote:

Open Doors through Open Innvation

Dr. Julian Klepp - Communications Manager Boehringer Ingelheim & Dr. Markus Koester -Head of Scientific Liaison opnMe.com / Boehringer Ingelheim

11:00-12:00  

Panel Discussion 

Science Communication as Knowledge transfer – bridging the gap between academia and industry 

 

  • Prof. Eckhard Thines, Chair of Microbiology  & Biotechnology @JGU / federal coordinator for biotechnology  
  • Prof. Michael Maskos, Mainz Science Alliance  
  • Dr. Timo Taskinen, Research and Innovation Services University of Jyväskylä
  • Dr. Bettina Schelkle, EU Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations
  • Dr. Markus Koester, Head of Scientific Liaison opnMe.com / Boehringer Ingelheim

 

Moderator: Julia Schneider, Head of Business Collaborations at Mainz University of Applied Sciences

12:00-13:00  Lunch 
13:00-16:00 

Barcamp:  

Science Communication out of the box: new impulses for knowledge transfer projects across Europe 

13:00 - 13:30: Introduction to Barcamp, Session pitches and vote 

13:30 - 14:20 First Session 

10 Minutes Break 

14.30 - 15:20: Second Session 

10 Minutes Break 

15:30 – 16:00: Presentation of Session outcomes  

 

16:00

Closing remarks

Dr. Nicole Birkle, FORTHEM General Secretary 

Registration is closed