Latest publications

Oct 16, 2024 Essay
Unpacking social media `engagement': a practice theory approach to science on social media

by Sarah R. Davies, Rebecca Wells, Fabiana Zollo and Joseph Roche

Social media engagement is typically associated with actions such as sharing, liking, or commenting, and is often measured as such in quantitative analyses. This essay explores what is being captured through these methods by `unpacking' such engagement, arguing for a practice-oriented approach that takes into account the mundane ways in which non-scientists may encounter and use scientific content. We describe practice theory in the context of media production and use, before illustrating the approach with material from comments on Facebook posts produced by science-related sources. In showing the uses of science content in maintaining social bonds or performing particular identities (for instance), we argue that science communication research needs to study the wider contexts of how and why users encounter science online, and that the notion of social media practices can help us to do so.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Oct 14, 2024 Article
Surfing the COVID-19 news waves: a Belgian case study of science communication and public relations with university press releases

by Miguel Vissers, Steve Paulussen and Gert-Jan de Bruijn

Press releases remain an important link between academia and the media. While science communication is a goal of universities, public relations is also becoming increasingly salient. The press release, as a significant tool for both science communication and institutional public relations, means that the fields are entwined, prompting us to propose viewing science communication and public relations on a continuum. Based on a quantitative content analysis of all press releases sent out by a Belgian university during the COVID-19 pandemic we show what this university communicates about and identify how science communication can be used for public relation purposes and vice versa.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Oct 09, 2024 Article
How to make sense of generative AI as a science communication researcher? A conceptual framework in the context of critical engagement with scientific information

by Inbal Klein-Avraham, Esther Greussing, Monika Taddicken, Shakked Dabran-Zivan, Evelyn Jonas and Ayelet Baram-Tsabari

A guiding theory for a continuous and cohesive discussion regarding generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in science communication is still unavailable. Here, we propose a framework for characterizing, evaluating, and comparing AI-based information technologies in the context of critical engagement with scientific information in online environments. Hierarchically constructed, the framework observes technological properties, user experience, content presentation, and the context in which the technology is being used. Understandable and applicable for non-experts in AI systems, the framework affords a holistic yet practical assessment of various AI-based information technologies, providing both a reflection aid and a conceptual baseline for scholarly references.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Oct 07, 2024 Practice Insight
Understanding methodological innovation in participatory research: insights from participatory EU-funded projects

by Ana Barbosa Mendes, Charlotte Bruns, Dana Mahr and Simone Driessen

In this practice insight, we explore the intersection between creativity and sustainability in methodological development within participatory research with all its inherent complexities and tensions. We reflect on the challenges of identifying methodological innovation in participatory methods, emphasizing the gradual and cumulative nature of this process. We highlight the crucial role of reflexivity in methodological development and examine the socio-political, epistemic and institutional contexts that influence participatory research trajectories. By analysing the tension between methodological innovation and conservatism, this practice insight sheds light on the complex dynamics within participatory projects and calls for a nuanced understanding of methodological development.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Oct 02, 2024 Article
“Giving them the best information I could with whatever I had at hand”. Physicians' online health communication practices in a post-normal science context

by Lucía Céspedes, Alice Fleerackers and Lauren A. Maggio

This study describes US-based physicians' online public communication practices, particularly on the social media platform Twitter/X, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw on 28 semi-structured interviews to examine how they responded to the unique COVID-19 context with respect to each of the four features of post-normal science (PNS): facts uncertain, values in dispute, stakes high, and decisions urgent. Our analysis reveals that the pandemic shifted what, why, and how physicians used the platform, and with whom they aimed to communicate. We discuss the implications of these changes in their online communication habits, discourses, and representations around social media as a reaction to the context of PNS brought about by the pandemic.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 30, 2024 Book Review
Effective Science Communication — A practical guide to surviving as a scientist

by Elizabeth Stevenson

Scientists in academia, particularly early career researchers, are required to master a multitude of practices in a higher education context, often learning on the job by a process of incidental osmosis rather than structured training. For example, success in writing grant proposals, presenting and networking at conferences, journal publication, teaching, engaging with publics ‘beyond the ivory tower’, and demonstrating the ‘impact’ of research are essential skills to master to progress an academic career. Training and support in these areas can often be fragmented and/or dependent on good fortune with respect to suitable mentors.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 25, 2024 Practice Insight
Communicating the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol approaches: insights from communicators, science journalists and scientists in Africa

by Willy Kiprotich Tonui, Dorington Ogoyi, Caroline Thuo, Cyrus Tareh, Cecilia Lubanga Alukhaba, Arouna Ouedraogo, Akoudjin Massouroudini, Amelie Wamba Ndongmo Regine, Agbonma Gloria Ogbaki, Gerald Andae, Gilbert Rotich, Andrew Kipkoech and Rosalia Omungo

Genetic biocontrol approaches, such as gene drive technology is rapidly gaining interest from scientists and public health professionals due to their potential to overcome many challenges of current malaria control tools and strategies. This is particularly the case in Africa where the burden of malaria is most significant. Uncertainty exists about whether these approaches will work, how effective they might be, who is controlling them, and potential unintended consequences for human health and the environment. Therefore, efforts to enhance the understanding of genetic engineering and biotechnology are needed, to ensure that accurate information about this technology is disseminated in the media by science communicators including the journalists and scientists. In this practice insight, we review the outcomes from workshops and courses hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium aimed at equipping communicators and journalists with skilful techniques to proficiently articulate the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol interventions to the African public. we discuss the gaps and provide insight on how communicators can address some of the basic challenges of developing effective communication and decision-making for genetic biocontrol approaches in Africa.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 23, 2024 Article
Uncivil communication and epistemic trustworthiness concerns in public online discussions in response to scientists during the Covid-19 pandemic

by Nicola Peters

The Covid-19 pandemic illustrated important developments in science communication, with direct online interactions between scientists and the public. This study performs a content analysis of tweets (“N” = 6,000) directed at German virologists (“N” = 6) during the pandemic’s first year. It identifies substantial levels of incivility and trustworthiness concerns, which often co-occurred. These findings enhance our understanding of online communication dynamics in crises by showing how incivility and trustworthiness concerns are not only prevalent but also evolve in response to specific events and phases. This analysis provides insight into the complexities of public sentiment toward scientists during the pandemic.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 18, 2024 Essay
Evaluations in science communication. Current state and future directions

by Sophia C. Volk and Mike S. Schäfer

Evaluations are becoming more important in science communication. But both science communication practitioners and researchers are not sufficiently utilizing the potential of evaluations yet. In this essay, we first define four requirements for rigorous evaluations of science communication activities and projects. To substantiate our argument, we take stock of the scientific literature, uncover deficiencies in current evaluation practices and identify potential causes. We conclude with laying out how different actors in the field — including science communication practitioners, professional associations, scientific institutions and funding bodies as well as researchers — can contribute to advancing evaluation practices in science communication as well as research on it.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 16, 2024 Article
The effect of scientific impact on science communication through art from the lens of deviance theories

by Joaquín M. Azagra-Caro and Vincenzo Pavone

Exploring the multifaceted relationship between scientific impact and science communication through art, our study surveys 2,500 Spanish artistic researchers. Guided by deviance theories and double standards theories we reveal a nuanced pattern: the effect of scientific impact initially impedes science communication through art, turning positive after a given impact threshold. Striking a harmonious science-art balance emerges as a mitigating factor, fostering broader links between science communication through art and scientific impact. Our findings advocate for targeted incentives to encourage science communication through art without compromising scientific impact, contributing to a deeper understanding of their complex interplay.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

JCOM metrics

  • 2023 CiteScore: 3.4
  • 2023 Impact Factor: 2.0 (Q2)

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