Science Years – inspiring people for science and research
With its Science Years, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) promotes cross-institutional, participatory science communication that is open to everyone. They are the BMBF's central activity in the field of science communication. The Science Years are a joint initiative of the ministry and the non-profit organisation “Wissenschaft im Dialog” (Science in Dialogue), with the aim of promoting social interest in science and research, strengthening scientific literacy and enabling discussions about scientific developments. Partners from research, education, culture, and science policy actively shape the Science Years. The BMBF's targeted project funding and an overarching umbrella campaign ensure nationwide visibility for the Science Years. DLR Projektträger helps to implement the Science Years and develop them further – on behalf of the ministry.
Since 2004, DLR Projektträger has been providing strategic and operational support to the BMBF in planning and implementing the Science Years with its expertise in science communication and public participation. It is responsible for thematic design and project funding, and manages the interaction between BMBF specialist units, partner organisations, and internal and external committees. DLR Projektträger is responsible for the content and operational design of the campaign planning and implementation, and is also responsible for controlling and quality assurance.
Each Science Year focuses on a socially relevant topic of the future. Different disciplines have their say with their research contributions and solution approaches. They open up new perspectives on innovations, key technologies and societal challenges. Researchers engage in dialogue with citizens on an equal footing. As the largest science communication initiative in Germany, the Science Years take people across the country on a journey into current scientific developments with a variety of information and hands-on activities. The formats of the Science Years explain interrelationships and make the relevance of research for our everyday lives, our community and our prosperity tangible.
The Science Year 2024 is dedicated to the value and significance of freedom, examining it from a variety of perspectives: How robust is our democracy in the face of current crises? What freedom do we need – at schools and universities, on the internet, in research laboratories? What does the use of AI mean for our freedom? With a variety of participatory offerings, the Science Year 2024 creates a cross-generational dialogue about freedom.
Science to read up: “forscher – the magazine for the curious“
“Forscher – Das Magazin für Neugierige“ is the magazine for the Science Year. It is aimed at young readers aged 8 to 12. DLR Projektträger has been in charge of the journal since the first issue in 2010. It is responsible for editorial planning as well as the strategic development of the brand and its sales structure. DLR Projektträger also ensures smooth overall project management (handling of the creatives involved, handling of 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, the inland vessel travels across Germany with interactive exhibits, inviting young target groups, school classes and families to explore and participate. DLR Projektträger is responsible for the call for tenders and the awarding of contracts to an external general contractor. It also handles the interface management between the BMBF, the participating research institutions and service providers, and ensures the communicative interlinking of the campaign and funded projects. In addition, DLR Projektträger provides support in preparing and implementing high-profile events on board the “MS Wissenschaft”.
Networking science and schools
The online platform “Forschungsbörse“ brings together science and schools. The platform enables school classes and researchers to network, bringing science directly into the classroom. Researchers volunteer to report on their work, discuss their research topics and methods of scientific work, and answer students' questions. DLR Projektträger is responsible for the project management and editorial work for the platform and manages collaboration with the contracted web agency.
Which forms of energy will we be able to fall back on in the future? Challenges such as the growing global demand for energy, limited resources and climate change require new solutions from science and society. With the Science Year 2025 – Energy of the Future, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is shining a spotlight on this politically and socially relevant topic.