Claussen-Simon-Stiftung (Claussen Simon Foundation) is committed to supporting talented young people by awarding fellowships. In addition to financial support, it offers its fellows an extensive seminar programme with lectures and workshops tailored to their needs. It also organises events and regional group meetings throughout Germany.

The Science Communication Programme (WissKomm-Kolleg) is an annual programme for early career science communicators. It brings together researchers who communicate about their own research (research communicators), employees in communication and public relations departments at universities and research institutions (institutional communicators) and people from science journalism.

The programme aims to support participants in:

• Exploring and explaining how they understand their own role as communicators.
• Moving confidently within the systems of science, politics, journalism etc.
• Creating effective, responsible science communication with added value for society and to network with this goal.

The programme brings together a group of 16 to 18 participants over a period of one year and offers them a learning and reflection space about their role in science communication in four consecutive workshops led by experienced trainers.

Eligible to apply are junior leaders in the fields of science, science communication or science journalism with a completed university degree (Master’s, Diplom). Applicants must be in the first five years of their professional career, and at least one year of professional experience is required. They must have expertise and experience in science communication.

The programme lasts for one year. Funding is provided for science communication projects, coaching and mentoring, specialist days, conference participation etc for which participants can submit applications.

(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)