Spotlight science communication: spiders, snakes and drug discovery

Fulfilling a public duty, promoting one’s career or simply sharing enthusiasm – there are numerous reasons for scientists to communicate research to the public. Activities to engage with the public can be challenging and time-consuming on top of an academic schedule. Why is it still worth the effort? We will get to the bottom of this and other questions together with our invited guest: Dr. Tim Lüddecke who frequently appears in newspapers, on TV, and on social media (@LuddeckeTim). He was portrayed by the “Stern” magazine, and invited to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. Lüddecke studies venomous and poisonous animals such as snakes and spiders to unravel their ecology, evolution, biochemistry, and potential for medicine. Lüddecke is head of a junior research group located at JLU and Fraunhofer IME. In our digital talk, he will share his motivation and experience in science communication and discuss with the audience.