Introduction to Science Communicaiton

An introduction to

Science Communication

Go to the next slide!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Copyright: Yashira A Cruz Rodriguez All images attributed to Yashira A. Cruz or Canva.com under a Commercial License unless otherwise indicated

INDEX

1. What science communication?

2. Why communicate science to lay audiences?

3. Elements of effective science communication

4. Science communicators on Instagram

5. What's next

"Science communication is the social conversation around science"

Massimiano Bucchi & Brian Trench (2021, as cited in Nielsen (2022) )

Source: Nielsen, Kristian H. 2022.Histories of Science Communication.Histories, 2(3), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.3390/histories2030024

Consider the following scenarios ...

ARE THESE EXAMPLES OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION ?

Despite differences between:

• the subjects in the scenarios,
• their expertise,
• the contexts in which they were,

All of the presented scenarios are examples of science communication!

"Science communication [also known as sci-comm] includes everything from popular science specifically produced to disseminate scientific knowledge (or knowledge about how science works) to cultural products, political statements, and social interactions with a science content."

Kristian H. Nielsen

Source: Nielsen, Kristian H. 2022.Histories of Science Communication.Histories, 2(3), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.3390/histories2030024

Complete Lifeology's microlearning interaction for another perspective on what constitutes communicating science:

Copyrighted material used with permission from Lifeology and course creator Paige Brown Jarreau for educational purpose only.

STOP & REFLECT

Think back on your prior experiences sharing your work or research. Can you see how all along, you have been engaging in "sci-comm", whether intentionally or not, as a natural part of the scientific method?

Why communicate science to lay audiences?

For science experts, preparing to bring science to lay audiences can be time consuming and complex. Why bother? Some benefits of communicating science can include the following:

Increasing the public’s trust in science

Supporting public awareness of science

Sharing inspiration & representation

Watch the following video in which professional science communicator Greg Foot walks academics through finding their purpose for conducting sci-comm

Source: Foot, G. [Greg Foot]. Why should you bother doing science communication?. [Video]. Youtube.com. https://youtu.be/mIT5KNtRs08

STOP & REFLECT

Think about your own experience… What brings you to this course? What motivates you to want to communicate science? We will further dive into this in module 2.

Elements of effective science communication

Complete Lifeology's microlearning interaction for an example on how to effectively communicate science:

Copyrighted material used with permission from Lifeology and course creator Paige Brown Jarreau for educational purpose only.

EFFECTIVE SCIENCE COMMUNICATION ...

is supported by evidence.

is packaged in an engaging delivery.

is clear and easy to understand by the audience.

is inclusive .

opens the door for a conversation.

STOP & REFLECT

As you prepare to venture into this journey, start to think about the elements found in effective science communication. Which of your current skills will help you be a good science communicator? What skills would you like to develop in this course?

Science Communicators on Instagram

Explore a shortlist including some well-received science communicators on Instagram:

Scholars & Researchers

Gino Caspari, PhD in Archeoloy

Hunter Hines, PhD in Microbial Ecology

Moronke Harris, PhD student in deep ocean science

Explore a shortlist including some well-received science communicators on Instagram:

Industry professionals

Ayana E. Johnson, PhD in Marine Biology, Climate Expert

Suzie Martinez, Payload Systems Engineer

Tracy Fanara, PhD in Env. Engineering, NOAA Scientist

Explore a shortlist including some well-received science communicators on Instagram:

Professional science communicators

Jack Baker, PhD student, Content Creator, Speaker

Kyne, Drag Content Creator specialized in Math

Melissa Marquez, PhD candidate, Marine Science Communicator, Writer, Speaker

NEXT STEPS: MODULE 1

Read the instructions for this week's discussion

Explore the Instagram Interface interactive poster

Dive into the Resource Corner

Post & Converse!