IKMZ Researchers Join Two of the Six Newly Funded Swiss NCCRs
Three researchers from the UZH Department of Communication and Media Research (IKMZ) are involved in two newly established National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) through the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF ̶ an exceptional recognition for communication science and its societal relevance.
The overarching goal of this NCCR is to optimise treatment for children with cancer. In the NCCR, Mike S. Schäfer, Thomas Friemel and Meg Jing Z. examine how communication shapes public awareness and perceptions, coping processes, and support for pediatric oncology in Switzerland. The project addresses questions such as:
- How do patients, families, peers, healthcare professionals, and researchers communicate?
- How can communication reduce stigma and strengthen psychosocial well-being?
- How can public perception be improved to support research, prevention, and early detection?
- What specific dynamics arise in Switzerland’s healthcare system, media landscape, and cultural context?
Using a mixed-methods approach, the project builds a foundation for better patient-provider communication, family engagement, evidence-based public outreach, and informed policy-making.
This NCCR aims to analyze climate-related extreme events, consider societal implications and trade-offs, and support policymakers and the public with evidence-based insights. Mike S. Schäfer and Meg Jing Z. will contribute to the NCCR working on communication and behavior change. They will be working on questions like:
- How can communication foster awareness, preparedness, and adaptive behavior?
- How do citizens perceive, interpret, and act upon climate extremes?
- Which behavioral interventions can support sustainable, resilient choices at individual and collective levels?
- How can evidence-based communication contribute to societal transformation?
By uniting natural and social sciences, CLIM+ will contribute to Switzerland’s transformation towards a more resilient and climate-safe society.
Being part of two newly funded NCCRs highlights the central importance of communication research in addressing major societal challenges ̶ from health communication to climate resilience.
Congratulations to all involved!