Press release
Research, Baby! Project launched to increase the Presence of Female Scientists in the Media
The BMBF project "Women Scientists in the Media" at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, led by Prof. Dr. Judith Ackermann, is investigating the opportunities and challenges for women through the digital expansion of traditional science communication over a period of three years.
As researchers, women are underrepresented in media coverage. The research project "WIM – Female Scientists in the Media" of the Department of Social Sciences and Education aims to counteract this and contribute to more diversity in science reporting. The aim is to show a realistic picture of the complexity and diversity of scientific research and thus enable gender-equitable and diverse solutions for future social issues and global crises.
The project team, led by research professor Dr. Judith Ackermann, is investigating the presence of female scientists in journalistic contexts, asking what narratives there are about female scientists in the digital media, analysing reservations about participation in media and science communication activities and the enquiry behaviour of editorial offices.
"We are very pleased that, in addition to research, we also have an application part in the project that allows us to do something ourselves in parallel to ensure that women as experts receive greater media attention. We hope that we can reach a large number of female scientists at an early stage in order to publicise the topic as widely as possible. Social media play a particularly important role for us here," says Prof. Dr. Judith Ackermann.
In order to sustainably increase visibility activities and change the public perception of women, new formats for social networks and traditional media as well as strategies for action are being developed. Media partners from print, TV, radio and social media as well as a nationwide university network and transfer partners are involved. The findings will be incorporated into a modular open access support structure for academics and media professionals.
The project will raise awareness among academics of the relevance of communicating their own research findings and participating in public discourse. On the other hand, actors in (science) journalism are addressed in order to raise awareness of the need for increased multi-perspectivity. The researchers provide ongoing insights into their project on their social media channels.
First formats
#wimbookchallenge
In the #wimbookchallenge, female researchers show how high the proportion of women is in their edited or published anthologies.
Head & Cake
The live format starts on Instagram on the 13th of December. Every second Tuesday of the month, the WIM team will talk to a bright mind from science and/or science communication about research and science communication over a slice of cake.
One woman, one book
(Young) female scientists are regularly presented with one of their publications. If you are interested in taking part in this format, please get in touch now.
Project management:
- Prof. Dr. Judith Ackermann, Research Professor for Digital Media and Performance in Social Work
Research assistants:
Social Media
