Date of publication
May 11, 2026
Category:
Practice Insight
The communication format, Science & Cinema: reflecting on representations of science in movies for joint meaning-making
by
Hildrun Walter
,
Fritz M. Treiber
,
Hilmar Brohmer
,
Thomas Brudermann
,
Ulrich Foelsche
,
Heide Beranek-Knauer
,
Lucas Eder
,
Christina Maier
,
Helmut Jungwirth
We present Science & Cinema, a science communication format combining a cinematic atmosphere with scientific expertise. Through examining sequences from various movies, the format encourages audiences to critically reflect on representations of scientific topics in popular culture. The findings from pre- and post-event questionnaires and a recorded focus group session reveal that the format appeals to a range of audience demographics, entertains, creates interest, and fosters understanding and reflection. The format makes the power of images in shaping perceptions explicit and potentially contributes to a better understanding of how meaning-making occurs when scientific topics are strongly present in societal discourses.