Date of publication
Sep 16, 2024
Category:
Article
by
Joaquín M. Azagra-Caro
,
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
Date of publication
Aug 19, 2024
Category:
Article
by
Chia-Ho Ryan Wen
,
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
Date of publication
Jul 18, 2024
Category:
Conference Review
by
Margoth Mena-Young
There are current challenges that affect the Public Communication of Science and Technology that must be thought about collectively and for which there are still no answers. These challenges include changes in media ecosystems and consumer preferences; decline of democratic systems and rise of populism; advance of the planetary crisis; growing social inequalities; economic crises and budget cuts; exacerbated misinformation; and distrust in science and its agents; to mention a few examples. The space proposed by the International Symposium on Public Communication of Science and Technology 2024 and the IX National Colloquium on Scientific Recreation, held in Zacatecas, Mexico, was ideal to share several questions — theoretical and practical — that are a guide to address current challenges in this profession.
Volume 23 • Issue 05 • 2024
Date of publication
May 27, 2024
Category:
Article
by
Justus Henke
This study conducts a pioneering empirical analysis of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in the context of university communication across German universities. It explores the adoption rates, identifies the primary challenges, and assesses the potential of these technologies, integrating several theoretical concepts. The findings reveal a widespread use of AI for translation and language correction, with broader applications gradually emerging. Adoption rates vary significantly between private and public universities, largely due to concerns over technical issues, data protection, and AI usability. The results underscore the need for enhanced training and AI policies that support effective integration and use.
Volume 23 • Issue 03 • 2024
Date of publication
Mar 25, 2024
Category:
Editorial
by
Liliann Fischer
,
Germana Fernandes Barata
,
Andreas M. Scheu
,
Ricarda Ziegler
Science communication is a thriving field that is vitally important to confront and overcome current societal challenges. To make science communication effective, science communication research and practice need to come together and share knowledge and experiences. However, their collaboration is hampered by a variety of obstacles on both sides, ranging from lack of time to lack of incentives and awareness. In this Special Issue we give space to authors from a wide range of backgrounds to reflect on the relationship between science communication research and practice and inspire the field with their insights and learnings.
Volume 23 • Issue 02 • 2024 • Special Issue: Connecting science communication research and practice: challenges and ways forward (Connecting Science)
Date of publication
Mar 25, 2024
Category:
Essay
by
Taichi Masu
,
Yasuhito Abe
This collaborative essay details the reflections of a science communication practitioner and a media communication scholar on their joint research into science communication through Japanese commercial terrestrial television. It emphasizes their unique perspectives as an insider and outsider in their respective fields, suggesting a method to strengthen the collaboration between academic research and its practical application in science communication.
Volume 23 • Issue 02 • 2024 • Special Issue: Connecting science communication research and practice: challenges and ways forward (Connecting Science)
Date of publication
Nov 13, 2023
Category:
Article
by
Elaine Santana
,
Joana Bernardo
,
Inga Donici
,
Rúben Valente
,
Bárbara Pedro
,
Inês Almeida
,
Sílvia Silva
,
Conceição Alegre
,
Teresa Loureiro
,
Rosa Silva
This study aimed to analyze the usage of scientific concepts and technical terms related to COVID-19 vaccination in Portuguese online news sources and examine citizens' comprehension of these terms. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted, examining Portuguese news articles about COVID-19 vaccination from November 2021 to January 2022. Scientific terms were extracted from 190 articles, and seven citizens provided identification and brief definitions of familiar terms. Approximately 68% of the news articles involved collaboration with researchers or health professionals. A total of 144 scientific terms were identified in 77% of the articles, with more than half (57.54%) of these terms being unknown or inadequately defined by the citizens consulted.
Volume 22 • Issue 05 • 2023
Date of publication
May 22, 2023
Category:
Article
by
Jonas Kaiser
,
Birte Fähnrich
,
Laura Heintz
This exploratory study analyzed user-generated science communication on Reddit from May 2007 to October 2018 (n = 694.147 posts). We used automated content analyses and topic modelling to explore patterns that the user-generated communication exhibits. Results indicate that science communication on r/science refers to a broad range of different topics and disciplines. Specific upvote features of Reddit result in increased attention to sources and topics. Especially, social media sources and content that is self-referential to Reddit lead to high controversy in discussions.
Volume 22 • Issue 02 • 2023
Date of publication
May 08, 2023
Category:
Article
by
Ilona M. B. Benneker
,
Nikki C. Lee
,
Sibel Altikulaç
,
Chiel van der Veen
,
Lydia Krabbendam
,
Nienke van Atteveldt
Neuroscience research has increased our understanding of brain development, but little is known about how parents of adolescents engage with this neuroscientific information. Dutch parents completed a digital survey on neuromyths, neuroscience literacy and views of the adolescent brain and behaviour. These parents believed 44.7% of neuromyths and showed reasonable neuroscience literacy (79.8%). Stronger neuromyth belief predicted a more negative view on adolescent brain development. About 68% of the parents reported that they had changed their parenting behaviour based on their understanding of neuroscientific findings. These self-reported changes most often reflected changes to parents' own behaviour. The results of this study underline the importance for scientists and parents to engage in scientific activities to promote respectful and trusting relationships between them. These relationships have the potential to make communication about adolescent brain development between scientists and parents more effective and will empower parents to use correct information as a basis for their decisions around raising their adolescents.
Volume 22 • Issue 02 • 2023
Date of publication
Apr 24, 2023
Category:
Article
by
Todd P. Newman
,
Becca Beets
Research on branding seeks to uncover the emotional, sensory, and cognitive meanings when a person first encounters an object, person, or idea. This exploratory study uncovers how these meanings apply in the context of science, and why a branding framework is important for science communication theory and practice. Reporting on survey data collected in April and June 2021, our results suggest a consistent functional brand image for science, yet a more nuanced context for how different branding constructs relate to science.
Volume 22 • Issue 02 • 2023
