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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Dr. Andreas Schwarz, a German communications scientist at the Technische Universität Ilmenau, has been invited to become a member of NASA's Task Force 2, “Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES).” The US space agency is developing a strategic roadmap for the next ten years to explore the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. The working group, in which Dr. Andreas Schwarz is involved, contributes various social science perspectives that are important for the responsible communication of complex scientific results from space research and the possible discovery of extraterrestrial life to society.
NASA-DARES stands for “Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy” – and it is probably no coincidence that the acronym ‘DARES’ was chosen: Indeed, the task that the US space agency is pursuing with NASA-DARES is a big one: a comprehensive astrobiology strategy. Building on its 2015 Astrobiology Strategy, it aims to highlight current scientific advances in space research and exploration and the possible discovery of extraterrestrial life.
Dr. Andreas Schwarz – Expertise in science and risk communication for NASA
Dr. Andreas Schwarz was invited to join NASA-DARES Task Force 2, which began its work at the beginning of the month (February 2026), after successfully completing a highly competitive selection process. NASA is thus recognizing his expertise as Head of the Risk, Science, and Crisis Communication Research Group at the Institute for Media and Communication Science at the Technische Universität Ilmenau. In the new working group, Dr. Schwarz will contribute aspects of risk and science communication to “Focus Area 9: Astrobiology and Society” as part of what NASA describes as its non-consensus-oriented NASA-DARES strategic plan. Communication in this field faces the challenge of responsibly conveying the complex scientific findings of space research and the possible discovery of extraterrestrial life, as well as their implications for society. Dr. Schwarz will contribute scientific findings and best practice guidelines for effective communication of astrobiological discoveries by NASA and the international research community.
Communication research at the Technische Universität Ilmenau for interest groups and the public worldwide
With his expertise in science and risk communication, Dr. Andreas Schwarz will be involved in a series of webinars and public discussions to promote engagement within the astrobiology community. Based on these contributions, the working group is developing a strategic plan that deliberately combines different scientific perspectives and goals to reflect the full spectrum of astrobiology at NASA and beyond – what NASA calls the “non-consensus” concept. Dr. Schwarz's work in the NASA task force will help shape the communication of astrobiological discoveries to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public worldwide.
Dr. Andreas Schwarz
Head of Risk, Science, and Crisis Communication Research Group (iRisCS-Com), Technische Universität Ilmenau
+49 3677 69-4694
andreas.schwarz@tu-ilmenau.de
https://science.nasa.gov/astrobiology/strategy/dares/ “Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES)”
Dr. Andreas Schwarz, Head of the Risk, Science, and Crisis Communication Research Group at the Insti ...
Copyright: AnLi Fotografie Ilmenau
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Media and communication sciences, Physics / astronomy
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Dr. Andreas Schwarz, Head of the Risk, Science, and Crisis Communication Research Group at the Insti ...
Copyright: AnLi Fotografie Ilmenau
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