Research shapes the future. Yet the people behind scientific discoveries—and the questions that occupy their minds every day—often remain out of sight. With its new series, “3 Questions, 90 Seconds—Research in a Nutshell” the University of Bayreuth is now showcasing its research in a new, concise, and personal way.
In an initial series of six episodes, scientists will present their work. Junior Professor Alex Plajer from the Department of Chemistry kicks off the series. In just 90 seconds, the researchers answer three key questions about their field: What are they researching? Why is it relevant? And what makes research at the University of Bayreuth special?
The new series is aimed at anyone who wants to gain a quick and accessible insight into current research. It is designed to spark interest, encourage further reflection, and showcase the diversity of the scientific landscape at the University of Bayreuth. At the same time, it offers researchers the opportunity to present their topics to a broad audience and convey their enthusiasm for science.
What makes this initiative unique is its multi-stage approach to science communication. Short posts on Instagram and Facebook highlight key aspects of the research and pique viewers’ curiosity. The actual video interviews, recorded in the FZA’s media lab, are gradually being posted on the university’s YouTube channel; they give viewers insight into the researchers’ projects, findings, and personal experiences. The videos are supplemented by profiles of the researchers and in-depth written interviews on the university’s website.
The result is a communication initiative that reaches diverse target audiences across various channels: from brief interactions on social media to the compact video format and in-depth background discussions. At the same time, the series opens up new opportunities to gain insights into successful science communication and to convey scientific content in an even more targeted manner.
After all, good research deserves attention. And sometimes, just three questions and 90 seconds are enough to show just how exciting science can be.
