The Science Year is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) and Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD), the German organization for science communication. For more than two decades, WiD has fostered public dialogue about topics in science and research.

The initiative relies on a great number of partners which make their valuable work visible via our platforms and channels. Ahead of the Science Year launch, a steering committee engages in an exchange with partners about ideas and objectives.

Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD) is the organization for science communication in Germany. The non-profit limited liability company supports the scientific community with expertise in effective communication with society, develops new communication formats and also supports scientists in engaging with the public, including on controversial research topics. WiD increases public awareness of the role of science for society, and it promotes understanding of the processes involved in research and its outcomes. To achieve this aim, WiD organizes discussions, school projects, exhibitions, and competitions throughout Germany and also operates online portals about science and science communication.

The aim of the Science Years is to foster public dialogue on relevant topics in science and research. Developments in science and research are to become more transparent and accessible to the general public. At the same time, the Science Years aim to trigger and drive public debate about these developments.

Initially, the focus of the Science Years was on individual disciplines. Examples of past Science Years include the Year of Technology or the Year of the Humanities. Since 2010, the Science Years have addressed challenges of the future across subjects and disciplines. These have included health research, research on the future of the digital society, seas and oceans, artificial intelligence and our universe.