Science Communication Contexts and Actors PDF

Topic #2 Science Communication Contexts and Key Actors By LUZ ABAD-JOVE Department of Communication and Development Studies  Learning Outcomes After studying this module, students should be able to: Distinguish the types and key actors of science commun...

Topic #2 Science Communication Contexts and Key Actors By LUZ ABAD-JOVE Department of Communication and Development Studies  Learning Outcomes After studying this module, students should be able to: Distinguish the types and key actors of science communication, their environment and relationship; Distinguish the subfields of science writing.  2 Types of Science Communication 1. Science Outreach. This is an outward facing communication of science conducted by scientists or technical experts for non-expert audiences. Examples: Science journalism Science museum Textbooks and Manuals  2 Types of Science Communication 2. Science Inreach. This is an inward-facing communication of science conducted by scientists or technical experts for other technical expert audiences (whether or not they have similar or different scientific backgrounds). Examples: Scientific journal Scientific conference The Fields and Key Actors in Science Communication  Figure 1. Schematic overview of the field and the actors of science communication according to Carsten Könneker Source https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/user:Spektrumdw Key actors in the different fields of science communication ✔ Science practitioners (scientists/technical experts) ✔ Mediators (science journalists, public relations/press officers, technical writers, broadcasters, film makers) ✔ Other actors (members of the general public such as national/local executives, lawmakers/policy-makers, teachers/trainers, researchers, extension/development workers, entrepreneurs, students and youths, farmers, housewives) Key actors in the Fields of Science Communication Science practitioners and mediators, both aim to communicate with Other actors (members of the general public) ✔ From science practitioners (as source) to Other actors (as receivers), the approach is called institutionally-linked external science communication (science outreach) ✔ From the science journalists (as source/mediators) to other actors (as receivers), the field of practice is called science journalism ✔ From the PR/press officers (as source/mediators) to other actors (as receivers), the field of practice is called science communication Key actors in the Fields of Science Communication Bilateral interactions take place ✔ between the science practitioners and journalists; ✔ between the science practitioners and PR/press officers; ✔ between the PR/press officers and science journalists Key actors in the Fields of Science Communication Other actors also communicate science to their peers, or target groups Examples: ✔ LGU project implementer presents to funding agency the scientific basis of constructing “green” buildings ✔ Teachers explain the process of photosynthesis to their pupils ✔ Fish biologist presents to peer-researchers the process of improving the productivity of fish cage culture Distinguishing theSubfields of Science Writing The Subfields of Science Writing Scientific (Report) Writing Science Reporting Technical Writing What is scientific (report) writing? the process of organizing and documenting a body of information obtained from a completed scientific work. It is also called research report writing. If the output is a research proposal, it is simply called scientific writing. Scientific writing follows a format which is anchored on the procedure of scientific inquiry (research) Research Procedure and Research Report Format  Scientific writing typically involves the interactions of different groups of researchers/scientists Researchers/scientists come from basic and applied sciences like astronomy, biology, chemistry, meteorology, agriculture, engineering, medicine, sociology, and other specialized fields (economics, communication, politics) etc.  Elements of communication in scientific report writing Who says? The researcher or scientist, has to write his/her scientific report What? All prescribed elements of a scientific report; Contents are logically structured, formal, accurate and objective In which In print/electronic: research report, thesis manuscript, scientific channel? journal, conference proceedings; e-journal For whom? For other technical experts within or outside the field of study, including the journalists and agency information officers What effect or Created an awareness outcome is to Gained or increased knowledge Validated a theory be expected? Stimulated technology development (among inventors, they browse scientific reports) What is science reporting? the process of gathering and interpreting science-based knowledge and specialized topics and conveying it to the general public. It is also called science journalism, or science story writing Science reporting, also called science journalism, is a sub-field of science communication Examples of topics written by scientists and journalist - nanotechnology, biotechnology and its applications in industries - global warming, its effects and impacts in agriculture, health and environment - genetic engineering, genetically modified organism, and food sufficiency - meteorology - nuclear power - solar energy harvesting Science reporting typically involves the interactions of: 1) researchers/scientists; 2) reporters/journalists; and 3) general public, and or target audience (e.g. policy-makers) In print and broadcast journalism, a scientific report (written by scientists or researchers) is transformed into news or feature article by a science journalist using easy to understand language  Elements of communication in science reporting Who says? Either a journalist, public information officer, or press relations officer What? Selected information and knowledge in any field of science that are important to people’s everyday lives; Popular or simple language In which channel? In print (e.g. newspaper, newsletter) In broadcast (radio & TV: e.g. “I Am Ready” TV: e.g. National Geographic) In electronic (webpages of science magazine, science blog, corporate newsletter) For whom? General public (popular audience) With what effect? Created awareness Increased knowledge Improved mind-set or interest Tried ideas or products What is technical writing? the process of gathering technological and specialized information, then organizing and presenting it to a target audience or popular audience in clear, easily understandable form (Society for Technical Communication) Sources of technological and specialized information are technical experts in applied sciences: agriculture forensics architecture genetics computer science health sciences economics information technology engineering pharmaceutical sciences food science Technical writing typically involves the interactions of: 1) technologists/manufacturers; 2) technical writers; and 3) target audience and /or popular audience Examples of technical writing outputs: - User guide, Design manual, User manual Other outputs of technical writers Technology Manual Patent specifications Laboratory/Clinical Forensic Report Report Graphic Aids Product Financial Report Brochure/Catalog Architectural design Instructional Manual descriptions Elements of communication in technical Writing Who says? Either a technologist, a manufacturer, or a technical writer What? Selected technological and specialized information in any of the applied sciences ( that are important to people’s everyday lives) In which channel? Print (leaflet, flyer, catalog, manual, primer, book/booklet, etc. Electronic (webpages of technical journals, Q&A blogs, corporate webpages, Help guide For whom? Target group, General public With what effect? Created awareness Increased knowledge Improved interest Improved skills Improved adoption of products/services Wrap-up Scientists, journalists, public information officers are the primary benefactors (as source and mediators) in science communication. On one hand, different groups of the public are the primary beneficiaries (receivers) of science communication. Wrap-up Scientific writers communicate with peers and other expert groups, while science reporters and technical writers communicate with all members of the general public. Assessment Task # 2. Student-formulated test questions with corresponding correct answers Guidelines 1. With reference to the contents of Topic #2, formulate test questions that will signify how you correctly understood science communication as an area of devcom practice, its contexts and key actors: 1.1 10 items True or False (20 points) 1.2 10 items Multiple Choice (20 points) 1.3 1 item Essay (10 points) 2. Deadline of submission: Sept. 3, for Dash 3