Interview with Julia Helmes

What brought you to DWIH New York?

I grew up between the U.S. and Germany and had the opportunity to earn a university degree in each country. I always knew that I wanted to work in a transatlantic space that would allow me to leverage my bilingual and cultural background, and so unconsciously I think I was always looking for a place like the DWIH NY. My understanding of both the German and U.S. cultures and higher education systems has enabled me to collaborate effectively with DWIH New York partners and researchers from both countries. It’s in this German-American context that I feel most at home and able to make the greatest impact. 

 What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part about working at the DWIH NY is being able to keep learning new things.  Our programming spans a range of different topics and since working here I have learned about zero-waste-fashion, climate mitigating design, and cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research. The list could easily go on! I have been inspired by the kindness of the scientific community and the smart and curious people who are passionate about sharing their work. Some personal work highlights have been being able to host speakers whose work I find truly exciting, such as visual designer Giorgia Lupi, author and historian Andrea Wulf, and climatologist Friederike Otto. 

Science diplomacy is a key focus of the DWIH New York. How are you involved with it? 

When I started working at the DWIH New York, I had never heard of the term “science diplomacy” before. This seems outrageous now, given that our annual conference this year, the 2024 FUTURE FORUM, was dedicated to science diplomacy in an era of technological disruption. As I mentioned previously, working at the DWIH New York has allowed me to continue learning and growing professionally. One of the ways I could do this was through a Diplo Academy course on Science Diplomacy, which was a perfect introduction to this growing field. The course gave me a better understanding of how the DWIH NY serves as a boundary-spanning organization that can connect policymakers with scientists and provide a neutral space for much-needed dialogue between these two groups. I would highly recommend the course to anyone else interested in science diplomacy.  

Do you have any advice for researchers hoping to work in-between Germany and the United States? 

Learn how to communicate effectively across audiences and cultures! Science communication is essential for sharing your research both within and beyond academic circles. Moreover, effective scientific communication has become even more crucial in response to growing skepticism toward science and a dismissal of evidence-based thinking. Academics and researchers must be prepared to present their work to the public in an accessible way that highlights its impact and relevance to everyday life.  

Additionally, it’s important to consider cultural differences in communication styles. In the U.S., people tend to favor direct and often entertaining storytelling, while in Germany, there is a stronger emphasis on facts, figures, and academic seriousness. Similarly, when addressing policymakers, it’s essential to translate your findings into a clear, well-structured policy brief that is easy to understand and can be implemented effectively. Understanding your audience is the first step in reaching them. 

 Last but not least: Do you have a favorite spot in New York? 

This is a tricky one. As someone who organizes events, I am always on the lookout for other programs from which I can learn and find inspiration. One program I truly appreciate is the event series “Science Controversies” by Pioneer Works. The series offers a deep-dive into various scientific topics in an entertaining and accessible way. I always leave their events feeling energized and with a renewed sense of wonder about the world.