How can I be a Scientist for our Future?
I am working as Science Editor at
the central
communication unit of the Max-Planck-Society in Munich,
Germany. My core responsibilities are the fields of
astronomy, physics and data science. Here, I inform on my
own science-communication activities. I have a strong focus
on the climate and environment from the perspective of an
astronomer by training. My
science-communication activities comprise various
public-engagement projects, public talks, Science-Slams and
science videos. Are you interested in a talk or in hosting
one of my projects? Feel invited
to contact me
any time.
I have been privileged to be able to collect valuable experiences on my not so straight career path.
Until December 2022, I have been working as Science Manager at
the Earth
Observation Center of the German Aerospace Center
(DLR). The institute focuses on Data Science and
Artificial Intelligence in the field of Earth
Observations. The goals are to tackle global challenges
among other interdisciplinary science cases. Internal and
external (science) communication has been part of my
assignment at DLR. For more information,
see https://www.ml4earth.de
and https://ai4eo.de/. Before,
I have been professionalizing as Science Presenter & Science
Communicator at the ESO
Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Center.
My Goals
We live in complex times. Our questions become more and more profound and our challenges more and more urgent. How can we make sense of the world? What is our role in the universe? Where do we originate from, and what is our future? Do we understand the environment we live in? What are possible solutions? Astronomy provides insights into the humbling beauty of space; it helps to inspire and wonder about our role in the vast universe. At the same time, the unique perspective of astronomers onto Earth can be part of the solution. My work is dedicated to the solution-finding process.
How can astronomers be part of the solution? Astronomy is an interdisciplinary research field. It deals with complex science also related to climate sciences and phenomena over many orders of magnitudes. By definition, astronomy deals with the big picture - an approach that is often missing in discussions on the Climate and Sustainability. I am convinced that astronomers engaging with the public can make the big picture understanable and thus help to build sustainable bridges between sciences and society.
Space needs space! And so do we. In my eyes, the public should perceive itself as an inherent part of scientific advances. The right spaces are needed to enable participation, interaction, and to build mutual trust among scientists and between scientists and the public. The right spaces can also build bridges, trigger multi/inter/transdisciplinary exchange, and are a fertile environment, where new narratives and solutions can thrive.
Let's push boundaries sustainably and responsibly. I am empathically but emphatically contributing to depict chances and pathways for a fruitful future on planet Earth and thus to facilitate an inevitable global transformation. Everyone should feel empowered to not only think about the big picture, but also to make (scientific) decisions to (co-)shape the big picture. Within the astronomical and scientific community, we are already working on solutions for our own fields. See also my involvements below.
My active Memberships and Participation
- Astronomers for Planet Earth — International organization of astronomers using their expertise and unique perspective to provide the public with the information and fellow astronomers with the tools necessary to mitigate climate change and prepare for the future. Visit our Social Media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Scientists for Future — International organization of researchers from the fields of climate, sustainability, biodiversity, and transformation studies.
- Changeleaders — Diverse group of active changemakers. Our goal is to provide space for mutual exchange and to support ourselves and our existing projects as well as to trigger new projects and collaborations.
- Ring a Scientist — Bringing researchers into your classroom, Germany and worldwide. Are you teacher or student and interested in exchange? Visit my profile and I'd be happy to answer your request!
- Skype a Scientist — Bringing researchers into your classroom, Germany and worldwide.