New science communication: research and innovation in the era of the Internet David Dickson Editor and founding director, SciDev.Net Barcelona Centre for International Health Research Centre Esther Koplowitz , Barcelona, 12 July 2012
Summary Why communicate? Communicating with scientists Communicating with non-scientists SciDev.Net: science communication and development Social media www.scidev.net
Why communicate?
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Communication has two main functions: To inform To engage
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It can also be used to entertain An example from YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BI2m3QoaS8&feature=share
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Science communication: This has two dimensions: ďƒ˜With scientific colleagues ďƒ˜With the non-science community
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Communicating with scientists
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Internal science communication: 1.Scientific papers 2.Pre-prints 3.Seminars 4.Informal communication
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Each has been revolutionised by the arrival of the Internet: 1.Scientific papers Electronic publishing Open access movement 2.Pre-prints Open archiving www.scidev.net
3. Seminars:
Video-conferencing (Skype, etc.)
4. Informal communication:
Social media
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Communicating with non-scientists
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External science communication: Practitioners Policy-makers Funders and funding agencies General public www.scidev.net
Science communication with the public is increasingly important It facilitates the contract between science and society and a time of demand for extra transparency It reflects the new status of science, creating a “culture of science” www.scidev.net
Cultural context: Loss of expertise and authority of scientists Change in the nature of knowledge production (e.g. CERN/LHC) Improved communications and a proliferation of sources of information Democratic deficit (Science for All, 2010)
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Scientists have a responsibility to communicate “It is an important responsibility for the scientists to communicate research results and viewpoints to the public, especially in cases of publicly funded research. “This responsibility is exposed to challenges by both enormous opportunities and new threats for effective science communication provided by new information technologies.” ICSU Advisory Note, December 2010 www.scidev.net
Scientists’ response: Survey of 1485 UK research scientists showed that the main reasons for engaging in science communication related primarily to perceived external needs. The most popular motivation (35%) was given as “To ensure the public is better informed about science and technology”
(People Science Policy, 2006: 28) www.scidev.net
SciDev.Net and its activities
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World-wide web has: ďƒ˜ Eliminated the transaction of costs of communicating information ďƒ˜ Opened up new opportunities for science communication in general, and science journalists in particular.
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SciDev.Net’s premise: The communication of accurate and accessible information about science and technology, and their contributions to innovation, is essential to the objectives of: achieving economic growth reducing poverty, and enabling environmental sustainability www.scidev.net
Policymakers at all levels need accurate, timely and reliable information about role of science and technology in meeting development objectives.
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At the same time ‌ The public understanding of science and technology ensures open and democratic debate about the promises they offer – as well as how to handle their potentially negative consequences
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As a result: The demand for both improved science communication and improved science communication skills is increasing rapidly in the developing world
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Our activities Operating a free-access website (www.scidev.net) containing news, views and analysis about science and technology in the developing world Organising workshops and other activities to enhance the capacity of both professional science communicators – such as journalists – and researchers to provide reliable and authoritative information on such issues www.scidev.net
Our website ‌
The website contains News Feature articles Opinion articles Bi-weekly editorial Regular ‘spotlights’ Notices (including lists of meetings, grants and jobs) Links (e.g. to scientific organisations and journals) Comments from users
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Current situation
In operation since 2001 > 60,000 registered users Almost ¾ (73.2%) are in developing countries > 50,000 hits per week > 120 freelance contributors around the developing world
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Science communication and social media
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How do you use social media? (AstraZeneca study of 382 scientists)
•Read/watch online content: 61 percent •Post comments: 18 percent •Join conversations: 17 percent •Update status online: 10 percent •Generate content: 7 percent www.scidev.net
What is the value in social media? 1.Information sharing/collaboration: 62 percent 2.Knowledge building: 61 percent 3.Networking: 61 percent 4.Participating in discussion: 33 percent 5.Getting the message out/thought leadership: 10 percent www.scidev.net
How much value does social media deliver to scientists? 1. Absolutely essential: 6 percent 2. Very valuable: 18 percent 3. Valuable: 33 percent 4. Somewhat valuable: 35 percent 5. Minimum value: 8 percent www.scidev.net
Guidance from AAAS on the use of social media Be social and network. Use social networking sites to announce your latest discovery and be ready to discuss your work. Link to others whose interests you share and ask and answer questions. www.scidev.net
Be legal ďƒ˜ It is illegal in most countries to make false claims against another person or organisation in print (libel) ďƒ˜ If you're not sure you're reporting the truth, it may be better to leave some things out if they could be damaging to someone.
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Be discreet Don't reveal preliminary information that scientific competitors could exploit, possibly damaging your career (or those of your colleagues). Wait until publication is imminent Never reveal your colleagues' research without their permission. www.scidev.net
Be politically aware ďƒ˜ Before criticising your government's scientific or environmental policy, for example, consider whether you might endanger your funding, your position, or your university.
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Be sensitive ďƒ˜ An issue that may might be acceptable within your profession, such as sacrificing animals for research, may not be as acceptable to others. ďƒ˜ Consider rephrasing sensitive topics.
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Be moderate Social media can be mildly addictive. Use it a little bit each day. If you find it impairing your research time, scientific reputation or real-life social life, you're probably using it too much. www.scidev.net
Above all, be active!
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For more information, and to register to receive free weekly email alert, visit us at
www.scidev.net Or contact me at: david.dickson@scidev.net
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