Julia Reinermann, Dr.-phil.

Photo: Julia Reinermann

Email: julia.reinermann

Phone: +49 2331 987-4816

Room: C.0013

Homepage: https://julialenareinermann.de/

Research Focus

My research explores the intersection of communication, technology, and social transformation in the context of environmental sustainability. I am particularly interested in how we communicate about complex challenges like climate change, how we navigate the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies, and how science can contribute meaningfully to societal change.

Socioecological Transformation and Communication

Communication about climate change significantly influences our emotions, understanding, and actions. It is ubiquitous in shaping both our world and ourselves within it, standardizing how we perceive and respond to environmental challenges. Research indicates that individuals in industrialized societies often experience feelings of overwhelm, powerlessness, and guilt when exposed to media coverage of climate change, leading many to disengage from the issue entirely.

In response to these challenges, innovative media strategies have emerged, including constructive and positive journalism as well as entertainment-education approaches. My research explores critical questions about these evolving communication practices: What influence do they have on media users? How do they function within the established logics of media organizations themselves? And how does communication between actors—particularly the translation of scientific knowledge into media narratives—actually take place? I pursue these questions through my ongoing projects.

Ethics of Care in Technology

I am deeply interested in exploring the ethical implications of environmental and sustainability technologies, particularly through the lens of care ethics within society. Through qualitative research, I seek to understand the conditions that give rise to conflicts, resistance, and protest surrounding these technologies.

I am particularly curious about how diverse actors can meaningfully participate in the development and deployment of such technologies, and how we can effectively assess their potential consequences for both individuals and the environment. This research strand examines not only technological innovation but also the social relationships and responsibilities that emerge around it.

Science Activism

Should science take a political stance in the face of global crises such as climate change? Human-caused climate change and its far-reaching consequences are undeniable—but how far can this political stance go?

My experiences during my studies—including research stays in Bolivia, Argentina, and New York—and my participation in the 2006 climate conference in Canada significantly shaped my interest in scientific activism. Upon returning to Germany, I became involved in various local sustainability and environmental groups. These organizations shared a common goal: raising awareness of socio-ecological cultures and experimenting with sustainable practices in everyday life.

This engagement led me to explore approaches to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, as well as the emerging field of transformative research in Germany. How do these forms of research work? What challenges do they bring to academic work, and what opportunities do they offer? Part of my research interest lies in grappling with this productive tension—tracking it, pursuing it, and striving for answers that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and social transformation.

Peer-reviewed Article

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