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Science Communication

How to effectively communicate your research to science and non-science community

What is Science Communication?

Science communication is the practice of informing, raising awareness of science-related topics, and also getting involved with audiences that include, at least in part, people from outside the science community (Science Europe, 2023). 

It underscores the pivotal role of science in discussing and solving pressing societal issues to the general public outside the science community, thus, enhancing public awareness about issues that can be solved by science. 

Why Science Communication is Important?

Science communication is part of a scientist’s everyday life. Scientists must give talks, write papers and proposals, communicate with a variety of audiences, and educate others. Thus to be successful, regardless of field or career path, scientists must learn how to communicate.

When scientists communicate more effectively, science thrives. 

Moreover, scientists must learn how to communicate effectively. In other words, to be a successful scientist, you must be an effective communicator. Feliú-Mójer, M. (2015, February 24). Effective communication, better science

Models of Science Communication

Here are some of the most commonly used science communication models:

  • Deficit model - a non-interactive model of science communication and is accessible to wider public. (e.g. science articles in popular sources, podcast, radio programs, public lectures (3MT))
  • Dialogue model - any activities and events that encourages interaction, public engagement, and dialogue between scientists and non-scientists (e.g. social media post/conversations, interactive museum exhibitions, Cafe Scientifique, science busking, SoapboxScience, StreetScience, Mad Science). 
  • Participation model - any activities and events that involves participation of non-scientists in science and helps to generate scientific knowledge. This is also known as ‘upstream public engagement’ or "citizen science", involving publics directly in scientific processes similar to scientists themselves (e.g. Sense my Street, National Geographic's Citizen Science Project, Citizen Science by US General Services Administration, Science Learning Hub's Citizen Science)

What Do Science Communicators Do?

 

Image credits: Fearon, C. (2023). Science communication. Newcastle University Library. https://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/c.php?g=671323&p=4767451

Science communication can be done in variety of ways. Some might find science communication in publishing and presenting while some may have it other platforms like public lectures and talks, podcasting, blogging, or in more engaging and fun way especially for young adults allowing them to be more engaged in science. 

References

Anderson, C. (2013, Jun). How to give a killer presentation: Lesson from TED. https://hbr.org/2013/06/how-to-give-a-killer-presentation

Feliu-Mojer, M. I. (2015, Feb. 24). Effective communication, better science. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/guest-blog/effective-communication-better-science/

Newcastle University. (2023, Feb. 21). Science communication. https://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/c.php?g=671323&p=4767451

Science Europe. (2023). Science communication. https://scienceeurope.org/our-priorities/science-communication/#:~:text=Science%20communication%20is%20the%20practice,from%20outside%20the%20science%20community.

Woolston, C. (2021, Jun. 23). Lightning talks: Science in 5 mins of less. Nature. https://www-nature-com.ezproxy.nu.edu.kz/articles/d41586-021-01674-9

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