Olaf Kramer

Olaf Kramer is a Professor of Rhetoric and Knowledge Communication at the Department of General Rhetoric, Faculty of Humanities, University of Tübingen. He leads the Presentation Skills Research Center and serves as Managing Director of the Research Center for Science Communication (RCS). Since 2021, he has been the spokesperson for the RHET AI Center, focusing on artificial intelligence in science communication. Kramer is also a key editor of Science Notes magazine and the neue rhetorik / new rhetoric book series.

• Professor, Department of General Rhetoric, University of Tübingen
• Head, Presentation Skills Research Center
• Managing Director, Research Center for Science Communication (RCS)
• Spokesperson, RHET AI Center
• Editor, Science Notes and neue rhetorik series

Education:

• Studied General Rhetoric, German Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology in Tübingen, Frankfurt (with Jürgen Habermas), and Chapel Hill, USA (with Lawrence Grossberg)
• Ph.D. (2008): Rhetoric in Goethe
• Habilitation (2015): Virtual Reality, with teaching authorization in General Rhetoric and German Literary Studies

Olaf Kramer's research centers on science communication, communicative competence, political communication, digital rhetoric, and virtuality. His work bridges classical rhetorical theory with contemporary media and public discourse, particularly in scientific and political contexts. He investigates how knowledge is recontextualized in public communication and how digital platforms reshape rhetorical practices.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary rhetoric, combining insights from law, theology, education, and digital media. His work explores the rhetorical dimensions of judicial decisions, science slams, social media, and AI, emphasizing the role of narrative, visual design, and audience engagement in shaping public understanding. The integration of virtuality and digital navigation into rhetorical theory highlights his innovative approach to modern communication challenges.

Scientific Awards:
No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text.

Kramer actively supervises a large cohort of students and researchers, many of whom have collaborated on publications and projects. He has secured third-party funding for major initiatives like the Presentation Skills Research Center. His advisory and leadership roles extend to university governance, public engagement, and professional consulting for organizations such as the Max Planck Society and the German Foreign Office.

He is deeply involved in public science communication through the Science-Notes lecture series, which he founded and moderates, and through media appearances on ZDF/3sat and RTL. His work also includes designing and leading rhetorical training programs for academic, corporate, and governmental clients, demonstrating a strong commitment to translating academic knowledge into practical applications.