Call for Applications: Communication Lab

Join the ComLab!

• Join the ComLab network and be part of a specialised community of science communicators.
• Exchange ideas with fellow scientists and journalists from all over the world.
• Discuss current global issues with international experts from the political sector and civil society.
• Learn innovative story-telling techniques from excellent trainers and mentors.
• Work towards a compelling piece of science communication based on your research.

ComLab#10: Living Longer, Living Better

The dream, as old as mankind itself: a long and healthy life. New AI-based medical technologies, drugs, and diets could soon make it a reality. However, the desire for longevity and the need for more sustainable living conditions are not only a question of innovation but also hinge on access to resources and knowledge. That also includes social and ethical issues – from equity in health care to the protection of our environments and pathways in policy action. Local systems must adapt to meet the needs of their populations, and those strategies have to be embedded in a global context as sustainable (healthy) living is no longer a national issue.   

ComLab#10 offers a platform for exploring new research in health care and medicine, food, urban planning, social sciences, agriculture, and AI that aims at establishing sustainable livelihoods. What will a healthy life look like in the future? What are the ideas that could really drive change? How can science and the media work together to find solutions in and for our interconnected world?  

We invite researchers and journalists of all fields with a keen interest in sustainable innovation to apply.

Programme

Twenty researchers, twenty journalists, three days in Berlin: Comlab#10 is not merely a conference. It is a bootcamp for science communication and journalism that guarantees a safe environment for collaboration. As tandem teams, journalists and researchers develop stories that make a difference. 

In keynotes, networking rounds, group work, training sessions and a final pitching slam, ComLab#10 focuses on research trends fostering sustainable livelihoods and novel ways to communicate longevity for all.  

• Collaboration is key: Learn how to communicate your research in a clear and engaging way. Immerse yourself in small cross-disciplinary teams and craft a compelling story proposal together with journalists and peers from science. Get support from media experts and international editors and gain deeper insights into the intricacies of science journalism and communication. 
• Pitch your projects: ComLab#10 is a launching pad for collaborative projects that have the potential to make a lasting impact at the intersection of science and media. The top three project ideas, recognised by both an international jury and your peers, will not only receive accolades but also financial support of 2000 Euros to turn their ideas into reality.

Requirements

Participation is open to twenty researchers from the Humboldt network and twenty journalists. 

Knowledge and experience in science communication is an asset, but not a prerequisite for participating in this three-day workshop. We welcome applications from researchers and journalists of all disciplines whose past or current work relates to the topic of ComLab#10. 

The event will be held in English.  

Accomodation and travel costs

Room and board are covered by the organisers. Participants will work and reside in Berlin city centre, close to the main station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof). 

In addition, we provide a travel allowance of up to 150 Euros for participants who are not currently living in Berlin. 

We encourage applications from all over the world. Please keep in mind, however, that the amount of the travel allowance is non-negotiable. We also invite researchers from the Humboldt network and journalists currently living in Berlin to apply.

Expectations

• Commitment to take part in all three days of the conference in Berlin and a three-hour virtual kick-off event on 22 August 2025
• Strong motivation to engage with an international community of journalists
• Active participation in expert discussions, interactive learning sessions, training sessions and creative collaboration in journalist-scientist groups
• Commitment to create a compelling piece of science communication together with your team partner

How to apply

• CV in English (PDF), two pages max. (should include title of your Humboldt Fellowship Programme)
• Motivation letter of 500 words max. (PDF)
• Short one-minute application video (via WeTransfer, wetransfer.com), one minute max., which gives us a clear initial understanding of why you want to take part in the ComLab#10 and which focal point (healthcare, medicine, food, environmental studies, social sciences, urban planning etc.) interests you the most and why 

Please see the video guidelines for more content-related and technical details.

All documents should be submitted in ONE e-mail to comlab[at]avh.de.
Subject line: Application ComLab#10 and your name