When science meets media

On December 5, 2024, Stiftung Charité hosted an exclusive evening for its recipients of Open Life Science funding at their premises on Novalisstraße. The grantees in this area have all demonstrated exceptional motivation and commitment to science communication and public engagement through their projects and continuing education. The fireside chat organized by the Stiftung brought them together in a format that combined substantive discussion with valuable networking opportunities. The gathering was enhanced by the presence of selected science communication practitioners from Berlin’s life sciences community, leadership figures from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin’s corporate communications team, and representatives from the Berlin Medical History Museum of the Charité.

The evening began with a discussion moderated by Dr. Nina Schmidt. The theme: When Science Meets Media: How to Achieve Good Science Communication Today and in the Future? Perspectives from Science, Journalism, and #SciComm. For this conversation, held under Chatham House Rules, Stiftung Charité brought together representatives from science, journalism, and professional science communication:

Dr. Djawid Hashemi, Specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC); Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Graduate of the SciComm@Charité training program
Christoph Koch, Stern author, former head of the magazine’s science section, Gruner + Jahr; Journalist with a Diploma in Human Biology
Dr. Luiza Bengtsson, Head of the Museum and Society Department, Botanical Garden Berlin; Biochemist and science communicator

From their unique perspectives, Bengtsson, Hashemi, and Koch shared positive examples, criteria, and appropriate contexts for effective science communication, while also addressing current gaps in Germany’s scientific and media landscape. The panel then engaged with questions from the knowledgeable audience. Following this thought-provoking exchange, attendees enjoyed refreshments while continuing conversations and building connections.

Navigating obstacles, failures and successes – cultivating resilience in clinical-scientific careers

On March 21, 2024, Stiftung Charité hosted a networking event for students from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin at Novalisstraße 10 in Berlin. Dr. Farid Salih, PD Dr. Michael Schumann and Dr. Elise Siegert, two Clinical Fellows and one Clinician Scientist funded by Stiftung Charité, shared their personal takes on how to cultivate resilience in clinical-scientific careers in the opening panel discussion. Afterwards, guests had the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange their views on the question of resilience in a relaxed setting: