Journalists ask the questions – experts respond

The Press and Public Relations department is the first point of contact for the media. It puts journalists in touch with researchers, and shares news from the University of Wuppertal with the media.

Are you looking for an expert to interview on a specific issue? Simply contact presse[at]uni-wuppertal.de.

We receive telephone and e-mail enquiries every day from journalists looking for experts to talk to about current questions and issues. Generally, they need a rapid response as editorial deadlines or broadcast dates are looming. We are usually able to recommend suitable experts. Of course, we depend on your cooperation, and welcome your recommendations.

Journalists greatly appreciate quick responses – even a rapid rejection is preferable to a long wait for an answer. Journalists also appreciate receiving tips from university staff on where (or at what institution) they might find experts on a particular topic.

Requests from journalists can vary widely: sometimes, they just need a brief call with specific information; sometimes, they are looking for an extensive interview or an in-depth discussion. Journalists contact the University of Wuppertal and its staff because thorough research requires first-hand information.

We are a public university and welcome enquiries from journalists, as we want to keep the public informed about what we do. Please, therefore, do not reject requests on principle. This can cause unnecessary mistrust and frustration on the part of journalists, and undermine work towards strong long-term collaboration between the University and the media. An honest conversation, on the other hand, can be productive for both sides, even if not all questions can be answered specifically or directly. Please contact us if you need any help with enquiries from journalists.

Public perceptions of the University of Wuppertal are shaped in large part by the look of publications, posters, flyers, business stationery, etc.

The Graphic Design department provides layout templates, designs print and promotional material and helps with their development. The department is also the point of contact for the University of Wuppertal's corporate design, which it continues to develop.

Further information and a wide range of downloadable templates, for example for posters, letters, brochures, invitations and greetings cards, can be found on the UNISERVICE Graphic Design website.

The Press and Public Relations department ("Press Office") has two target audiences: the general public (external), and the University itself (internal). Its role is to place our press releases with current affairs outlets, and to keep staff and students up-to-date on important news and events at the University of Wuppertal through internal "uni media", for example the BERGZEIT newspaper, the research magazine buw.output and the digital signage information system.

The team publishes information on research projects conducted by University of Wuppertal researchers, on appointments, awards, partnerships and conferences, and on other interesting events at the University.

The copy editors at the Press Office also respond to media enquiries and put journalists in touch with the relevant experts, arrange for photographers and – where appropriate – organise press conferences. To do their job successfully and professionally, they depend on the support and cooperation of the faculties, central institutions and administration and their staff. More information is available on the Press Office website.

The Marketing team regularly organises its own and participates in external events.

These can range from the scientific and academic to entertainment. Annual events include the university ball, the "Frühjahrsputz" ("spring cleaning") campaign, 'Streetfood Wuppertal@campus' and graduation ceremonies in the Historische Stadthalle Wuppertal.

As well as organising its own events, our Marketing team also regularly collaborates with major media partners such as the broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) and the publishing house Zeitverlag (Zeitcampus) on events such as 'Campus Talk' and '1LIVE Hörsaalcomedy'.

For more information on events and other services offered by the department, please see the UNISERVICE Marketing website.

 UNISERVICE Marketing.

The Marketing team supplies a wide range of products, from conference material to merchandise, for meetings, conferences and other events.

Our online shop at www.unishop-wuppertal.de sells all items produced and distributed on behalf of the University of Wuppertal.

Chairs, directorates and other University of Wuppertal institutions receive a discount of 20% on all items purchased for internal University purposes.