Reliable communication on advanced materials - the impact of science communication on society

In times of social change, science has a special responsibility to provide evidence-based results to foster the generation of solutions for the pressing challenges of today, such as climate change or digitalization. To spread knowledge on scientific findings, science communication is inevitable. It intensifies the dialog with the public, objectifies current debates and provides information about the challenges and opportunities of new scientific developments. For more than 20 years, research has been ongoing world-wide on the safety and risks of nanomaterials. In this paper, the authors describe their experiences with science communication, using the knowledge database www.nanoobjects.info as an example. Already in 2009, the online knowledge base www.nanoobjects.info was established to share scientific results on the safety of nanomaterials with the public in a value-neutral manner. In 2020, advanced materials were added to this information platform to provide understanding and awareness of toxicological data on these materials as early as possible. This knowledge base materials is currently providing safety-relevant information on 30 advanced materials, including nanomaterials, with regards to human health and environmental impact.