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Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

New publication of the research group on public relations and communication of technology on mediated science communication in Germany

Dr. Andreas Schwarz

Alumna Eva Seidl

Identified topics

The search for intelligent (SETI) and non-intelligent extraterrestrial life has gained relevance in recent years in science, space exploration, but also on the agenda of the international news media. Since media frames of scientific space exploration can potentially influence public support and perception of science, a now published study analyzed German news media coverage of astrobiology and potential forms of extraterrestrial life.

The study was published by Dr. Andreas Schwarz (Research Group for Public Relations and Technology Communication) and Eva Seidl in the high-profile journal 'Science Communication' and is freely available (open access): https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470231206797

The authors identified three dominant frames between 2009 and 2022 in the media: (1) beneficial space exploration, (2) Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)/extraterrestrial intelligence, and (3) SETI risks. Two of these frames (1, 3) rely primarily on scientific sources, especially universities/research centers, NASA, the SETI Institute, and Stephen Hawking. The ESA, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and astrobiology as a discipline were rarely cited. From the findings, the authors derive implications for science communication as well as risk communication.

 

Reference:

Schwarz, A., & Seidl, E. (2023). Stories of Astrobiology, SETI, and UAPs: Science and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life in German News Media From 2009 to 2022. Science Communication, 10755470231206797. https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470231206797

 

Contact:

Dr. Andreas Schwarz

Fachgebiet Public Relations und Technikkommunikation

E-Mail: andreas.schwarz@tu-ilmenau.de

       

Research

We research various structural, content-related and social dimensions of strategic communication, including in the context of technology-oriented organizations. Our focus is on public relations & organizational communication, risk and crisis communication, communication with and about technologies, and international strategic communication.

ResearchTU Ilmenau
TeachingTU Ilmenau

Teaching

In the area of teaching, we deal as a field of expertise with the areas of public relations, crisis communication, international communication, communicator research as well as media change and social media.

Publications

PublicationsiStockphoto
  • Schwarz, A., Seeger, M., & Auer, C. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of international crisis communication research. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
    Schwarz, A., Schleicher, K., Srugies, A., & Rothenberger, L. (2017). Crisis communication of youth welfare offices in Germany: Findings on media coverage and strategic communication especially in the context of severe cases of child welfare endangerment. Ilmenau: Ilmenau University Press. 
    Schwarz, A. (2010). Crisis PR from a stakeholder perspective: The influence of attributions of cause and responsibility on organizational reputation. Wiesbaden: VS Verl. for the Social Sciences.

all publications

Team

The research group for Public Relations and Communication of Technology has been led on an interim basis since 04/2023 by Prof. Dr. Martin Löffelholz. The team consists of Dr. Andreas Schwarz, Francis Alpers, Elisabeth U. Wagner-Olfermann, and Tatjana Faj. Melanie Waltinger currently supports as team assistant.

 
TeamAnLi Fotografie