Latest publications

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

Sep 09, 2024 Practice Insight
Creating resonance with arts-based approaches to sustainability science communication

by Marianne Achiam, Sabrina Vitting-Seerup, Louise Whiteley and Sofie Louise Dam

Mainstream science communication has struggled to drive sustainability changes. We experimented with arts-based methods in a workshop series that sought to co-create new methods and formats for sustainability science communication with communicators, artists, scientists, and policy-makers. Here, we describe how we used Hartmut Rosa’s notion of resonance to interrogate our experiences, prompted by the workshops and the artwork produced in them. We show how the elements of resonance: affection, emotion, transformation and uncontrollability, fundamentally reshaped the workshops in constructive ways that we could not have predicted. We conclude by drawing out three insights for science communication practice.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 02, 2024 Article
Are we on the right path? Insights from Brazilian universities on monitoring and evaluation of Public Communication of Science and Technology in the digital environment

by Cibele Maria Garcia de Aguiar, Sergio Luiz Monteiro Salles Filho, Sérgio Parreiras Pereira and Fernando Antonio Basile Colugnati

This study addresses the perception of theoretical models and the application of evaluation indicators in the context of Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) within the digital environment of Brazilian federal universities. The model under validation was built based on the ideal types, presenting 26 indicators for monitoring and assessment. The results of a survey applied to communication managers in these institutions indicate the higher relevance of Type 1 indicators (Inform), with some institutions adopting Type 2 (Engage) indicators and, less frequently, Type 3 (Participate) indicators. Insufficient training in social media leads to platform-dependent evaluation. Despite being considered relevant, consistent monitoring remains irregular and is secondary in PCST programs.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Aug 26, 2024 Practice Insight
A deaf-centred art-science approach to community engagement with sign language technologies

by Shaun O'Boyle, Elizabeth Mathews, Caro Brosens, Rehana Omardeen, Davy Van Landuyt, Alvean Jones and Lianne Quigley

Sign Language Machine Translation (SLMT) is an emerging technology that will primarily impact deaf and hard of hearing communities. Historically, these technologies have been developed by hearing scientists, without input from deaf researchers or community representatives. SignON was a three-year project exploring the application of SLMT, and using a co-creation approach which was led by the European Union of the Deaf. Here we describe an art-science method to engage deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing audiences with SLMT through theatre and performance. We also reflect on the insights, perspectives, and feedback shared by audience members.

Volume 23 • Issue 05 • 2024

Aug 19, 2024 Article
Understanding public perceptions of revolutionary technology: the role of political ideology, knowledge, and news consumption

by Chia-Ho Ryan Wen and Yi-Ning Katherine Chen

This study investigates public perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Taiwan, focusing on the roles of political ideology, science news consumption, and knowledge. Analyzing responses from 502 participants, the research reveals that political ideology has a limited impact on AI benefit perceptions but likely becomes more significant with increased AI application. The study suggests that, for narrow AI, science news consumption and content knowledge are more influential than political ideology. It emphasizes the need for tailored communication strategies and highlights the positive association between respect for science authority and favorable AI perceptions. The findings provide essential insights for policymakers navigating AI adoption.

Volume 23 • Issue 05 • 2024

JCOM metrics

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

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