Germany’s leading science influencers

They whet people’s appetite for science, explain complex topics in a way that is easy to understand and as a result have millions of followers: Germany’s most successful science influencers reveal just how entertaining science can be.

MAITHINK X: science with a clear stance

Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim, a TV journalist and author with a PhD in chemistry, provides scientifically sound explanations in her videos of all kinds of different topics – from microwave radiation and solar cars to vaccines. She adopts a clear stance in her videos - for example supporting more sustainability or opposing conspiracy theories - and always bases her views and explanations on facts. She won the German Grimme Award for her work in 2021. 

Breaking Lab: research explained in simple terms

Whether it’s a question of solar power, hydrogen-powered aircraft or nuclear fusion – on his YouTube channelBreaking Lab, Jacob Beautemps explains scientific topics in an appealing and entertaining way. With his expert knowledge and his enthusiasm, he has many followers, even far beyond Germany’s borders. In addition to his German channel he also has an English-language YouTube channel called German Science Guy.

Sabine Hossenfelder: critically examining trends

The physicist Sabine Hossenfelder has 1.7 million YouTube subscribers who love her weekly videos. She uses her channel to address above all complicated physics topics and explains them in a way that even those without a PhD can understand. At the same time, she takes a critical look at hyped theories, research trends and the major issues of our time. 

JJChemistry: chemistry to get passionate about

in his channel JJChemistry, Jan-Joel van den Wyenbergh proves just how fascinating chemistry can be. In 2024, this resulted in his winning the ScienceFluencer Award for young talents in science communication. 

Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell: the universe in ten minutes

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell is a channel featuring roughly ten-minute-long animated videos in English which attempt to explain the universe and human existence. Topics relating to physics, biology, history and politics are packaged up into humorous stories and provided with brightly coloured animations - much to the delight of the channel’s 24.1 million subscribers. The channel was founded by Philip Dettmer.