University of Münster: A day in the life of a media professional!

University of Münster: A day in the life of a media professional!

The connection between science and media plays a crucial role in today's society. A clear example of this is the work of Johannes Wulf, a videographer and photographer from the Communications and Public Relations Department at the University of Münster. Wulf is also active during the semester break and accompanies the university employees in their everyday work. Today he has agreed to act as a protagonist in an external mission and to make a film about the university society's sponsorship award.

At the start of his working day, Johannes packs up his equipment in the university castle. There he meets Dr. Barbara Kolany-Raiser and Dr. Karen Siegel from the Department of Political Science. Together they have the goal of increasing the visibility of the new application phase for the 2026 funding award. The shoot takes place in a seminar room with a view of Lake Aasee, where Johannes is responsible for the technical preparation and the interview. It is clear that he shows flexibility and pragmatism when choosing the location, which leads to a professional and friendly collaboration.

A day full of challenges

The interview, which lasts about 20 minutes, shows Wulf's ability to adapt questions spontaneously and create a pleasant atmosphere for conversation. In addition to the technical part, he films additional cut images, including shots in a lecture hall and in front of Karen Siegel's office. After the video shoot, the next appointment is at the “Kita am Schlossplatz”, where he takes classic photos. It is important to him that no children can be identified in the pictures.

In addition to his filming, Johannes later edited the video for the university society and an advertising film for the university day. With over ten years of experience in media production and a background in television, Wulf values ​​the freedom he has in his current position. He is also involved in media training for scientists and emphasizes the urgency for them to be able to publicly present and defend their knowledge.

Focus on science communication

Wulf is part of a larger trend in science communication. In order to promote skills in this area, the JKU cooperates with Upper Austria. Journalism Academy offers an extension course in “Journalism and Science Communication”. This program is aimed at students and graduates of the JKU and imparts basic knowledge of journalistic work and scientific communication.

In times of scientific skepticism and fake news, competent and fact-based communication of science is essential. The aim of the course is to get people excited about science, from children to all walks of life. Students learn skills that go beyond their specialist area and are trained to reach people with sound scientific content.

Rector Stefan Koch emphasizes the importance of communicating topics and results to the public. In addition to teachers from the JKU, experienced media practitioners also work on the course to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge.

A look beyond the JKU shows a variety of study options in science communication. For example, the TU Dortmund offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs in science journalism, while KIT Karlsruhe offers a cross-sectional degree program in the natural sciences, technology, humanities and social sciences. Graduates of these programs find themselves in various professional fields, including media houses, scientific communication and corporate communication.

There are many opportunities to specialize in science communication. The University of Vienna offers a master's degree program that focuses on the relationships between science, technology and society in order to prepare students for responsible communication roles.