SAVE THE DATE – The next ScienceComm will take place in Lucerne on September 9.
ScienceComm26
«CHECK»
Truth, trust and the role of science in a turbulent world
These will be the focus of the 15th edition of ScienceComm. The Swiss Annual Congress for Science Communication 2026 will take place at Neubad Lucerne on September 9, lasting one day. Our programme committee is putting together an inspiring and varied programme. The University of Lucerne is supporting us as a local partner. We will publish the programme alongside the registration form before the summer holidays.
We look forward to seeing you at the Wisskomm Pool Party!
#ScienceComm26
Content
At times where AI-generated content is blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction, and where the authority and validity of science are increasingly being called into question, effective science communication is facing significant challenges. When explanations are just a prompt away and the search for truth is being called into question, what is our business then? How can we provide guidance? And how can we protect democracy?
With the motto «CHECK», we invite you to shed light on the mechanisms of
the research process, trust and scepticism. We want to have a solution-oriented discussion: How can we transform disinterest and mistrust into productive curiosity? What stories do we need to tell to reach people? We will examin the methods, tools, attitudes and processes we use to secure and communicate knowledge.
The programme focuses on the following three key areas:
1. Reality Check: Claim to Truth & Verification
Between deepfakes and disinformation: How can we verify scientific accuracy and ‘truth’ in present times? How should we respond to the fact that science, as the most important source of knowledge, is being increasingly questioned, while our own intuition and lived experience are becoming more significant subjective sources of truth? When does ‘false balance’ in the media and public discourse lead to distortion, and what are the limits of fact-checking?
Keywords: AI & algorithms, fact-checking, dealing with manipulation, critical thinking, crisis communication.
«Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.» (Carl Sagan, astronomer and astrophysicist)
2. Trust Check: Trust & Dialogue
Trust in the scientific system is a key issue in science communication. How can we protect, build and strengthen it? We discuss findings from trust research and specific projects that foster proximity, ranging from local journalism to social media interaction. And what role do institutions such as museums play as places of communication?
Keywords: participation, citizen science, storytelling, community engagement, myth debunking, local relevance, clear AI guidelines.
«Dialogue is the opposite of instruction; it is the foundation of community.» (according to Martin Buber, philosopher of religion)
3. Science Check: Doubt as a Driving Force
Science thrives on internal doubt, it is a methodological tool that constantly tests hypotheses, thus enabling knowledge to be gained. Yet how can we convey that this self-correction is a prerequisite for reliability rather than a weakness? How can we communicate uncertainities and sources of error without discrediting research as a whole? How can scientific discourse be portrayed in the media without causing uncertainty?
Keywords: Science for policy, authority in crisis, productive doubt, scientific integrity.
«Today's knowledge is tomorrow's error.» (Proverb)
Formats
In addition to inspiring keynote speeches and thought provoking talks, we provide practical information in the form of workshop reports (making of), examples of best practice from local projects, interactive workshops and an entertaining supporting programme.
ScienceComm facilitates the exchange of experiences between the three linguistic and cultural regions. The annual congress provides a platform for professional dialogue and networking, focusing on networking, interaction and participation. Our aim is to get to know each other and learn from each other. In doing so, we uphold values such as sustainability, justice, diversity and inclusion.
Programme Committee
The programme committee ensures that topics and programmes are up to date and of high quality.
| Philipp Burkard | Managing Director | Foundation Science et Cité |
| Scott Capper | Head of Communications and Marketing | Adolphe Merkle Institut (AMI) University of Fribourg |
| David Cornut | Head of Communications | swissuniversities |
| Christoph Elhardt | Media Spokesperson | ETH Zurich |
| Bernhard Fuhrer | Director
| SNIS |
| Christophe Giovannini | Head of Communications | Suisse National Science Foundation (SNF) |
| Niklaus Heeb | Head of Knowledge Visualisation - Department of Design | Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
| Nicolas Kramar | Chief Curator of the Department of Geology
| Naturéum, Lausanne |
| Dominik Lehmann | Head of Communication | University of Applied Sciences and Art Northwestern Switzerland, FHNW |
| Ludivine Marquis | Coordinator | Réseau romand Science et Cité |
| Marcus Moser | Head of Office | Forum Universität und Gesellschaft |
| Giovanni Pellegri | Branch Manager | L'ideatorio, Cadro/Lugano |
| Benedikt Schmidt | Co-President | Reatch |
| Astrid Tomczak | Scientific Editor | Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences |