“The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
— Albert Einstein
Frequently asked questions about our services, our process and our values
Understanding our offer
1. What does Zum Staunen* do?
Zum Staunen* combines scientific expertise with clear, target-audience-specific communication. We adapt complex content for a variety of audiences: students, teachers, early-career researchers, politicians and decision-makers, and the press and media. To achieve this, we develop tailor-made formats ranging from publications and scrollytelling websites to podcasts and videos. Our focus is on impact: We ensure that your research gains visibility and has a lasting effect. We work in german, english or bilingually.
2. What makes Zum Staunen* special in the field of science communication?
Zum Staunen* is a full-service creative studio. We take a holistic approach to our services. Ideally, we get involved right at the start of the planning phase for research projects, often as part of third-party funding applications. We support these projects as partners — providing advice, conceptual guidance, and co-creation — to develop customized communication concepts. The other pillars of our holistic approach are as consistent as they are strategically sound: training, creation & implementation, distribution & evaluation. The insights gained from the last component directly form the basis for the development of new science communication projects.
What also sets us apart is our collaborative partnership based on mutual respect. We aren’t “the agency that does this for you”; rather, we work together with you, providing thoughtful and considerate guidance. We’re able to build such a close relationship with our clients because our core team and network of colleagues consist of creatives, media and communications experts, as well as researchers. This builds trust and ensures mutual understanding throughout all phases of a project.
3. What types of research projects or topics is your support suitable for?
We collaborate with researchers from all academic disciplines. We are also not limited to specific organizations, as research takes place in many different settings. For example, we support the communication of basic research at universities, applied science at colleges and companies, as well as in startups, foundations and associations. Topics that are particularly well-suited are those with societal relevance or high innovation potential, where clear messages and a targeted approach to the audience are crucial. In addition, natural science projects involving practical field research or laboratory work lend themselves well to visual and storytelling formats that make research practices visible and convey them in a tangible way.
4. Do you also offer assistance with preparing grant applications?
Yes, we help researchers strategically prepare their content for grant applications, project websites, or public presentations. Our goal is to translate the content in a way that is both academically sound and understandable to funding agencies and reviewers — to minimize the “Huh?” moments — and our creativity ensures the “Wow!” factor.
5. How does your approach differ from that of traditional PR agencies or press offices?
We see ourselves as a strategic partner for science communication. Our approach is research-based, participatory and goal-oriented: We work closely with researchers to jointly develop content that authentically and effectively highlights their work — as well as the process and the people involved — without distorting the reality.
Understanding our process
6. How does the collaboration with Zum Staunen* work?
Our process is transparent and iterative. We begin with a briefing questionnaire and a joint kick-off meeting, which serve to clarify objectives, target audiences and framework conditions. After that, the project typically follows this process:
- Strategy: together, we develop a communication strategy and use it to determine specific content and formats.
- Design & implementation: we create text, graphics, videos, and other content, and optimize them based on your feedback. We use an iterative process to achieve the best possible result.
- Distribution: we distribute and market content tailored to specific target audiences.
Evaluation: we measure the impact of the measures both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Training: we offer both project-based training and workshops that can be booked on an ad hoc basis. We conduct these either as part of the process described above or separately.
7. How long does it take to complete a project?
The duration depends on the scope and requirements. It can vary significantly. We can complete express services — such as urgent publications or last-minute applications — within 48 hours. For complex projects (e.g., campaigns, multilingual content, podcast, video or VR productions), the duration can be several months. To help you better assess this aspect, it’s important to us to consult with you as early as possible. This allows us to work together to create realistic and detailed timelines. These form the foundation for successful, impactful projects that everyone enjoys.
8. Can you also handle short-notice requests?
Yes, we’re flexible and can also handle last-minute requests, such as press releases, social media content or rush translations. Just let us know your timeline and we’ll find a solution.
9. How do you ensure that the content remains scientifically accurate?
We work closely with you and your colleagues to ensure that all content is factually accurate. Before publication, all content is reviewed jointly. If necessary, additional experts are also consulted.
10. How do you define »impact« in scientific communication?
For us, impact means making your research visible, understandable and relevant to action. This can mean:
- media coverage,
- public engagements and dialogue,
- political decisions,
- or inspiration for new research questions.
We measure impact not only quantitatively (e.g., reach) but also qualitatively (e.g., changes in attitudes).
11. Do you rely on specific formats or channels to create impact?
No, we aren’t limited to specific channels or formats. What matters most is who and what you want to reach. Based on that, we develop the appropriate strategies — ranging from traditional public relations to social media, podcasts, videos, VR and exhibitions, all the way to scrollytelling websites. We select the formats that best suit your target audience and your goals. Our focus is on delivering the right message at the right time and in the right place.
Understanding our mission &
our values
12. How do you integrate your work into the Economy for the Common Good (ECOnGOOD)?
As a company currently undergoing the ECOnGOOD certification process, we place a high value on transparent, fair and sustainable processes. Among other things, this means:
- clear communication about costs and services,
- fair fees for all parties involved
- and consideration of environmental and social aspects in our work.
13. How can you help us communicate our research in a sustainable way?
For us, sustainable communication means:
- long-term strategies instead of short-term fads,
- a focus on target audiences (e.g., politics, media, the general public),
- reuse of content (e.g., modularly structured texts for various channels)
- and measuring impact to demonstrate success.
14. How much does it cost to work with Zum Staunen*?
Our prices are based on the effort, scope and duration of the project. On this basis, we prepare a transparent quote within an agreed-upon budget that takes into account the specific details of your project. We are particularly happy to work with flat rates for workshops and grant applications.
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