Science Communication

The work group on science communication has been initiated in June 2009. Its main purpose is to share experiences and best practices in communicating topics from the “hard” sciences and humanities with non-experts and a broader audience.

Scientists who want to communicate their work with people outside their specialist subject face particular challenges. Yet, if advised and coached appropriately they can engage in a true dialogue that enhances mutual understanding between academia and broader audiences. The primary channels for coming in contact with non-experts are communication through the mass media, through museums/science centres, activities in schools or during science festivals or, more recently, via Web 2.0 (blogs, Twitter etc.).

While science communication is in principle accepted by the majority of scientists, many of them still lack the practical know-how as it is one thing to give a lecture or write a professional article, but an entirely different endeavour to adapt to the rules of a non-specialist audience. The workgroup therefore offers Euroscience members the opportunity to develop their communication skills actively by organising workshops during ESOF meetings and offering a platform for exchange, thus furthering the dialogue about science communication.

We hope to address some of the problems scientists are facing who are excellent researchers but find it difficult to communicate.

EXCLUSIVELY AT ESOF2010:

Actitvities

• Developing guidelines, offering workshops etc. and sharing best practice examples in science communication

• Serving as platform for exchange of experience

• Developing a network of communication experts in the different fields such as e. g. press & public affairs, Web 2.0 or museums/science centres.

Contact

Diane Scherzler

Convenor, Euroscience Science Communication Workgroup

[mail@diane-scherzler.de]

Tip Sheets