Augmenting Science Journalism
In the SMC Lab we explore unusual paths for science journalism. We try out innovative and data-driven methods and make them usable for the future on a non-profit basis.
Innovation for science journalism
Complex searches under time pressure, a host of senders and formats that have to be recorded ever faster and translated into differentiated offers – science journalism is facing major challenges.
In the SMC Lab we explore which technological resources are meaningful to sustainably reinforce and expand science journalism. To this end, we work together closely with scientific institutions, the Science Media Center Germany’s editorial team and external editorial teams.
Artificial intelligence
Large language models serve as a basis for novel journalistic assistance systems. They facilitate searches under time pressure in times of information overload. We sound out the potential and limits of large language models – always with an eye to the particular demands of journalism with regard to adhering to facts and data protection.
Data science
Our data science section amalgamates statistical methods, large datasets and a modern technological infrastructure. We generate ideas for the (data)journalism community in data reports, thematic dashboards and specialised offers such as the energy transition calculator.
Modular journalism
In modular journalism, journalistic products are not understood as complete entities. They are composed of reusable modules that can be selected and presented in the form of “semantic units of news” (Caswell) depending on the context. The modular journalism approach is the guiding principle for the technical implementation of our offers.
Projects & services
In the Lab we cooperate with academic partners on research questions relating to the digital science journalism of the future and offer innovative services for journalists free of charge.
Our lab
Kontakt
Meik Bittkowski
Head of Research and Development
meik.bittkowski
+49 221 8888 25-142
