Engaging the Public in Engineering Science – Successful Measures for a Public Dialog
Abstract In a world of increasing technical complexity, science has to invite the public to participate. This paper introduces the “Triad of Successful Science Communication” (TSSC). TSSC is an advanced approach to bridge the gap between elaborate discussions of engineering science and the needs of understandable public discourses. So far, the field of engineering science communication is largely based on trial and error. TSSC is the first practical guideline concept to help engineers and scientists to choose the right instruments for science communication. To make a practical implementation feasible the approach is presented in combination with selected case studies such as measures based on online science communication, direct interaction with adults (science events) and children (kids university), and ways to empower young students as future multipliers in science and society. It is shown that using the TSSC is considerably helpful to design such activities for a lively and productive dialog between engineering sciences and the public.