TU Dresden honors three researchers for outstanding science communication: Prof. Simon Meier-Vieracker, Dr. Hannah Muti and Dr. Chiara Löffler

As part of the first Science Communication Day on May 15, 2025, TUD Dresden University of Technology presented a main and a second prize for excellent science communication in the ballroom of the Rectorate Building.

Prof. Simon Meier-Vieracker, Chair of Applied Linguistics, received the main prize endowed with EUR 5,000 for his exemplary and highly innovative communication of linguistic findings and phenomena on TikTok, particularly addressing young people. He prevailed in the competition with more than 20 submissions. Meier-Vieracker's #LinguisTikTok videos get several million views per month. "It's a fantastic recognition from my university for this commitment. The fact that the university is honoring this dedication, which was originally born out of pure joy of participating in science communication and has become the focus of my work with increasing success, is a great confirmation for me," says laureat Meier-Vieracker.

Leading by example

In his laudation, juror Matthias Mayer, Head of Science at the Körber Foundation, emphasized the exceptional nature of Meier-Vieracker's outstanding success in science communication on social media. Moreover, Mayer underlined: “The jury was convinced that your activities are exemplary. At the same time, we hope that you will continue to serve as a role model.”

Showing the people behind the medicine

Dr. Hannah Muti, a doctor in advanced training in visceral surgery at University Hospital Dresden, and Dr. Chiara Löffler, a clinical scientist at the Else Kröner Fresenius Center (EKFZ) for Digital Health at TUD, received the second prize for PhD students and postdocs endowed with EUR 2,500. The two doctors received the award for their podcast “AbendVisite.” In their podcast, they talk to experts about everyday life, professional expertise, as well as issues and challenges both in medicine and as doctors. “We are extremely grateful to TUD for recognizing, appreciating and promoting science communication. This sends a clear signal,” says Muti. “The award also shows that it is worth pursuing a project that is close to our hearts,” adds Löffler.

Jury member Beatrice Lugger, a consultant for science communication and former managing director of the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik), gave the laudatory speech. She emphasized that the podcast brings to light what otherwise tends to remain hidden - the daily challenges of the medical profession both on and off duty. To this end, the two podcasters also talk to high-caliber experts. This way, the podcast shows different perspectives on this scientific discipline while paying tribute to the people standing and working behind the science.

More exemplary science communication projects honored

In addition to the award-winning projects, other exemplary science communication projects and researchers were shortlisted and received special commendations. These include:

• Prof. Anja Besand: Really done well - Political education in Saxony
• Prof. Michael Kobel: Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics Masterclasses
• Prof. Jens Krzywinski: COSMO Science Forum
• Frank Peters (CeTI): Robot symphony

A special mention was also given to Prof. Steffen Marx's tireless and highly relevant classification of the partial collapse of the Dresden Carola Bridge.

At the end of her welcoming address, Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of TUD, expressed her wish that both the Day and the Award for Excellent Science Communication would become a tradition at TUD. The guests and award winners agreed.

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