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Science Years – Inspiring peoplefor science an research
Through the Science Years, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is promoting cross-institutional, inclusive and participatory science communication. They are the BMFTR’s key initiative in the field of science communication. The Science Years are a joint initiative of the Ministry and the non-profit limited liability company ‘Wissenschaft im Dialog’, with the aim of promoting public interest in science and research, strengthening scientific literacy and facilitating discussions on scientific developments. Partners from the fields of research, education, culture and science policy play an active role in shaping the Science Years. Thanks to targeted project funding from the BMFTR and an overarching umbrella campaign, the Science Years enjoy nationwide visibility. DLR Projektträger helps to implement and further develop the Science Years on behalf of the Ministry.
Since 2004, DLR Projektträger has been providing the BMFTR with strategic and operational support in the planning and implementation of the Science Years, drawing on its expertise in science communication and public engagement. It is responsible for shaping the themes and funding projects, and coordinates the interaction between the BMFTR’s specialist departments, partner organisations, and internal and external committees. In terms of campaign planning and implementation, DLR Projektträger is responsible for the content and operational organisation, as well as for monitoring and quality assurance.
Each Science Year focuses on a socially relevant topic of the future. Various academic disciplines have their say through their research contributions and proposed solutions. They open up new perspectives on innovations, key technologies and societal challenges. Researchers engage in dialogue with members of the public on an equal footing. As Germany’s largest science communication initiative, the Science Years take people across the country on a journey through current scientific developments through a variety of information and hands-on activities. The formats of the Science Years explain interrelationships and bring to life the relevance of research to our everyday lives, our communities and our prosperity.
The Science Year 2026 makes developments in health research transparent and accessible. It shows how researchers are already shaping the medicine of tomorrow with their ideas and solutions – a form of medicine that is preventive, personalised, digital and participatory. With a wide range of hands-on activities, the Science Year 2026 fosters a cross-generational dialogue about our health.
Science to read up: “forscher – the magazine for the curious“
The science magazine ‘forscher – The Magazine for the Curious’ is the official publication of the Science Year. It is aimed at young readers aged between 8 and 12. DLR Projektträger has been managing the science magazine since its first issue in 2010. It is responsible for planning the issues, strategic planning of the brand and the distribution structure, and ensures the smooth running of the overall project management (coordinating the creative team involved, managing printing and subscriptions).
Hands-on science: the MS Wissenschaft
The MS Wissenschaft, a floating science centre, is an integral part of the Science Years. Every year, this inland vessel travels across Germany with interactive exhibits, inviting young people, school classes and families to explore and get involved. This year, the MS Wissenschaft will also be calling at ports in Poland and Austria. DLR Projektträger is responsible for the tendering process and awarding the contract to an external main contractor; it manages the interfaces between the BMFTR, participating research institutions and service providers; and ensures that the campaign and funded projects are effectively linked through communication. In addition, DLR Projektträger supports the preparation and delivery of high-profile events on board the MS Wissenschaft.
Connecting science and schools
The ‘Forschungsbörse’ online platform brings science and schools together. On the platform, school classes and researchers can network. This brings science directly into the classroom. The researchers volunteer their time to talk about their work, discuss their main areas of research and scientific working methods, and answer questions from pupils. DLR Projektträger is responsible for project management and editorial content on the platform, and oversees the contracted web agency.
