The PCST 2018 sessions on “Communicating science across cultures”: an overview by the session chairs
The 15th international conference of the Public Communication of Science and Technology network took place from April 4–6, 2018. Given its location in Dunedin, New Zealand/Ōtepoti, Aotearoa, it was a natural venue for two sessions on communicating science across cultures.
This paper presents the first study ever conducted on the profile of visitors to the Museum of Human Evolution of Burgos, which exhibits the finds of the Atapuerca archaeo-paleontological sites. Findings reveal a positive perception of the museum and are placed in the context of similar research.
The active engagement in the production of video games using Scratch can facilitate social inclusion of teenagers who have interrupted their studies, as shown by a project carried out from 2014 to 2018 within SISSA, the International School for Advanced Studies (Italy).
“Priest, Goodwin and Dahlstrom's [2018] edited collection, ‘Ethics and Practice in Science Communication’, is a significant step forwards in allowing for contemporary reflection on the ethical considerations currently influencing the field.”
A book review of “Environmental communication pedagogy and practice”, by T. Milstein and colleagues: “while focusing on environmental communication, the chapters offer insights that are also relevant in a range of science communication contexts.”
Should scientists and science educators stress the scientific consensus when engaging with the lay population across a wide variety of mediums, including debates? “Results indicate that it is possible to influence individuals exposed to these debate segments, but the effects are issue-contingent.”
Through a case study focused on the Futurescape city Tours (FCT) methodology, involving students and inhabitants of the city of Venice in creating future scenarios for dealing with the effect of sea level rise, authors explore changes in science teaching and the role of participatory methodologies.
This paper is a reflective account of a public participation project the authors conducted in Japan in 2012–2015, as part of the central government's initiative for evidence-based policy-making.
Results of this study indicate that Dutch public Attitudes toward GM applications are best predicted by both the attitude toward science and technology and three trust measures. “Overall, psychological variables seem better predictors than demographics”.