How to deal with attacks and inappropriate conflicts in science communication

Explaining science to the public is important—and sometimes exhausting. Scicomm Support shows you how to deal professionally with hostility, unobjective conflicts, and organized opposition. We classify what constitutes hostility toward science—from skepticism to targeted personal attacks—and explain why the issue affects us all: According to a recent study, 45% of researchers have already had such experiences, and 70% have observed an increase. Instead of retreating, you will learn strategies that empower you to take action and protect your communication. 

In the workshop, you will receive a compact overview of the three pillars of Scicomm Support (information material & guidelines, training, confidential telephone counseling), and you will practice a proven 4-step approach: recognize the situation, understand it, act – and keep psychological and legal aspects in mind. We will show you how to secure evidence, activate contact points, and choose appropriate online responses. We will simulate a “shitstorm” together from the perspective of a researcher – including a structured evaluation. Researchers, communication offices, and anyone who wants to make science visible are invited to attend. Come by, strengthen your resilience – and gain confidence for the next debate. 

Date & Time:

The training will take place at GIGA on 23 October 2025, from 10:00 to 15:00.

About the Trainer 

Henning Krause is a social media manager in the communications department of the Helmholtz Association's head office in Berlin. Here, he has initiated numerous digital interactive science communication projects in recent years, including a web comic (2014–2020), an audio podcast (2013–2024), and a blog portal (since 2013). He is particularly committed to intermediary-free, decentralized social media solutions. Since early 2025, he has been involved in advising SciComm Support on how to assist scientists who have been attacked.