MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR WISSENSCHAFTSGESCHICHTE Max Planck Institute for the History of Science

Event

Sep 25, 2026
Workshop: Research Communication for the Humanities

Description

At a time when the Humanities face increasing pressure from both politicians and the public to justify their value, it is more important than ever to explain what the Humanities do—and why they matter. Through research in fields such as history, anthropology, sociology, literature, and the philosophy of science, Humanities scholars offer crucial perspectives that help connect science to human values and ethical reflection. Yet too often, these insights remain confined within academia.

How can Humanities researchers better engage with the wider public?

This Research Communication for the Humanities workshop brings together experienced communicators to explore how to share Humanities research beyond the university. Each session, guided by key questions and led by an expert, features panel discussions on topics such as contributing to public debates, understanding audiences, working with journalists, navigating risks, and considering research communication as a career.

The workshop aims to highlight the importance of communicating Humanities research and to provide practical guidance on how, why, and for whom to communicate. By building bridges between researchers, journalists, and communicators, it offers early-career scholars a valuable opportunity to develop communication skills and explore new professional pathways.

Location
Meeting Room (10.3.28)
Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS)
University of Copenhagen
Karen Blixens Plads 8
Building 10 
2300 Copenhagen S
Denmark

Language
English

Organizer(s)
Contact and Registration

Organized by Ole Laursen (MPIWG) and Anuj Misra (MPIWG/ToRS), this workshop is aimed at doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS), but is open to all.

Provisional Program

September 25, 2026

  • 09:30–09:45: Welcome

    Annika Hvithamar (ToRS) and Anuj Misra (MPIWG/ToRS)

  • 09:45–10:00: Introduction

    Ole Birk Laursen (MPIWG)

  • 10:00–10:30: Why do Researchers need to Communicate?

    In this session, we engage with some basic, fundamental questions to research communication for the humanities:

    • Why do humanities researchers need to communicate their knowledge?
    • Can and should all humanities research be communicated to a broader audience?
    • Is communication to a broader, non-academic audience necessary to justify your research?

    Led by Peter Hyldgård, our five speakers will share their experiences and thoughts on these questions.

  • 10:30–11:00: Are we Researchers or Communicators?

    In the second session, we discuss a key question: Are we researchers or communicators? In particular, we debate the divide that sometimes exist between researchers and journalists/communicators. Led by Pernille Fløjstrup Andersen, the panel will engage with the perspective of journalists/communicators, on the one hand, with a focus on the exciting, quick story that “sells,” and researchers, on the other hand, who might focus more on details and in-depth stories. We will also discuss what is considered “newsworthy”.

  • 11:00–11:30: What are the Misconceptions and Barriers of Research Communication?

    In this session, we discuss some of the misconceptions and barriers for young researchers who are keen to communicate their research to a broader audience. Led by Mikkel Willum Johansen, some of the key questions and topics we explore are:

    • What if you get resistance from leaders and management? From politicians? From the public?
    • Is research communication part of the fight for research funding?
    • Is it always the same “experts” in the media anyway?

  • 11:30–12:00: Who is Your Audience, Really?

    Sabrina Vitting-Seerup leads our forth session, in which we discuss both who is the audience and who is the researcher? For young researchers in the humanities, it might be difficult to navigate these questions. We explore questions around who are you communicating on behalf of and who are you communicating for:

    • Are you communicating your research for your manager or for a public audience?
    • Who is your audience? Are they young, old? Sexuality, gender, and race? Are they educated and informed?

  • 12:00–13:00: Lunch

  • 13:00–13:30: Is Research Communication a Career Option?

    In the final session of the day, we discuss research communication as a career option for researchers in the humanities. Led by Liv Thomsen, our panelists share their experiences of entering the world of research communication, offer advice, and discuss which skills from the Humanities (or any other background) they rely on in their career.

  • 13:30–14:00: Q & A

2026-09-25T09:30:00SAVE IN I-CAL 2026-09-25 09:30:00 2026-09-25 14:00:00 Workshop: Research Communication for the Humanities Description At a time when the Humanities face increasing pressure from both politicians and the public to justify their value, it is more important than ever to explain what the Humanities do—and why they matter. Through research in fields such as history, anthropology, sociology, literature, and the philosophy of science, Humanities scholars offer crucial perspectives that help connect science to human values and ethical reflection. Yet too often, these insights remain confined within academia. How can Humanities researchers better engage with the wider public? This Research Communication for the Humanities workshop brings together experienced communicators to explore how to share Humanities research beyond the university. Each session, guided by key questions and led by an expert, features panel discussions on topics such as contributing to public debates, understanding audiences, working with journalists, navigating risks, and considering research communication as a career. The workshop aims to highlight the importance of communicating Humanities research and to provide practical guidance on how, why, and for whom to communicate. By building bridges between researchers, journalists, and communicators, it offers early-career scholars a valuable opportunity to develop communication skills and explore new professional pathways. Location Meeting Room (10.3.28) Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS) University of Copenhagen Karen Blixens Plads 8 Building 10  2300 Copenhagen S Denmark Language English Ole LaursenAnuj Misra Ole LaursenAnuj Misra Europe/Berlin public