Career Options: Science Communication as a Job – Your Career Beyond Academia?

In today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape, many researchers are exploring alternative career paths beyond traditional academia. This short interactive workshop is designed for those interested in science communication and eager to understand how to navigate this field.

Our three experienced guests have successfully transitioned from research to positions in science communication - either at a university, at a non-university research institution or as a freelance journalist. They will talk about their own career paths, about their daily job life and tasks, and about the skills and competencies required in science communication. Together, we will discuss the diverse career opportunities available and talk about practical tips for making a smooth transition. There will be a lot of room for questions, as we want to give you the opportunity to gain valuable feedback and inspiration if you are maybe considering your own future in science communication. 

Our guests

• Dr. Franziska Ahnert-Michel is cross-media communications officer at the Leibniz  Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg. Before her career in communication, she earned her doctorate in biochemistry and worked as project assistant and freelance journalist.
• Dr. Jakob Hinze is communications coordinator for the cluster of excellence "Understanding Written Artefacts" at Universität Hamburg. He has worked before as a PhD researcher in the field of democratic theory, while also writing for several journals and magazines.
• Dr. Kristina Hopfensperger works as a freelance science journalist for media outlets such as the Süddeutsche Zeitung. As a postdoctoral researcher, she investigates the mechanisms of HIV immunity at the University Hospital Tübingen.

Career Options: Information and networking events on non-academic career paths: Our Career Options series is designed for anyone interested in exploring alternative career paths and professional development opportunities outside of academia. The aim is to provide insights into job profiles and career fields through practical input from experts, offering guidance and creating an open space for discussion and questions.

HRA’s Project for Research Communication: This workshop is part of a larger research communication project which is funded by the Claussen-Simon-Stiftung.