Odette Wegwarth

“The media coverage of scientific health topics is often written in a way that fuels unnecessary fears or raises false hopes. Often, it has little in common with the scientific evidence. Based on an analysis of reporting on various health topics during the COVID-19 pandemic and interviews with media professionals, we developed the ‘Science x Media Risk Booster.’ This needs-based assistance system enables transparent communication of health information and risks. The Risk Booster will now become a part of the TU Dortmund University's Mediendoktor online tool and thus help journalists to communicate science even more competently and transparently in the future.”