A PROPOSAL TO PROMOTE THE PARTICIPATION OF JAPANESE PEOPLE WITH LOW-INTEREST IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Author(s):  
Masako Nakamura
2010 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey Marcovitch ◽  
Virginia Barbour ◽  
Carme Borrell ◽  
Felix Bosch ◽  
Esteve Fernández ◽  
...  

Impact ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (3) ◽  
pp. 24-25
Author(s):  
Kumiko Usuda-Sato ◽  
Lina Canas

It is important that science is inclusive and communication is prioritised. To make science accessible to all, the gap between highly specific research and people with a general interest in science must be bridged. Effective science communication also helps to engage young people and inspire them to pursue a career in science. In Tokyo, Japan, Dr Kumiko Usuda-Sato, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), and Dr Lina Canas of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO), are working to achieve effective communication and full inclusion. The researchers are interested in ensuring that science reaches diverse people, including people with a disability such as blind and visually impaired (BVI) people, as well as promoting diversity and inclusivity within international astronomical research communication. To this end, Usuda-Sato is engaging with the BVI community and tactility experts at the Japan Braille Library. A key focus is on developing resources for helping people to understand the Subaru Telescope, such as 3D printed models, braille and 2D explanations, as well as adapted communication methods. Canas is working to make the research community aware of accessibility issues. A key component of this was the IAU Symposium358, which brought together experts in accessibility and science communication, fostering discussion and promoting international collaboration.


2005 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. A02
Author(s):  
Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen

In this paper I use the concepts “understanding of science” and “appreciation of science” to analyze selected case studies of current science communication in Denmark. The Danish science communication system has many similarities with science communication in other countries: the increasing political and scientific interest in science communication, the co-existence of many different kinds of science communication, and the multiple uses of the concepts of understanding vs. appreciation of science. I stress the international aspects of science communication, the national politico-scientific context as well as more local contexts as equally important conditions for understanding current Danish science communication.


Author(s):  
Joachim Retzbach ◽  
Andrea Retzbach ◽  
Michaela Maier ◽  
Lukas Otto ◽  
Marion Rahnke

For scientific laypersons, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the concept of scientific evidence. Prior research shows that the media tend to underrepresent the tentativeness and uncertainty of research findings. Yet presently it remains unclear whether beliefs about the certainty or uncertainty of scientific evidence are affected by the mass media’s science coverage. In this study, we tested cultivation effects of features from German science TV shows on laypersons’ beliefs about science and their interest in science. A sample of adults (N = 700) representative of the German population in terms of age, sex, and education participated in a longitudinal field experiment with an extended Solomon four-group design (two experimental and three control groups). The treatment consisted of six successive media stimuli, which portrayed scientific evidence as either certain or uncertain, over the course of 6 weeks. Results indicate media effects on participants’ beliefs about the certainty of scientific evidence. Additionally, the treatment portraying science as certain enhanced participants’ interest in science, whereas the uncertainty treatment had no effect on interest. These experimental findings demonstrate cultivation effects using real-world stimuli and are interpreted in support of the claim for a greater acknowledgement of uncertainty in science communication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Hajas ◽  
Damien Ablart ◽  
Oliver Schneider ◽  
Marianna Obrist

We explored the potential of haptics for improving science communication, and recognized that mid-air haptic interaction supports public engagement with science in three relevant themes. While science instruction often focuses on the cognitive domain of acquiring new knowledge, in science communication the primary goal is to produce personal responses, such as awareness, enjoyment, or interest in science. Science communicators seek novel ways of communicating with the public, often using new technologies to produce personal responses. Thus, we explored how mid-air haptics technology could play a role in communicating scientific concepts. We prototyped six mid-air haptic probes for three thematic areas: particle physics, quantum mechanics, cell biology; and conducted three qualitative focus group sessions with domain expert science communicators. Participants highlighted values of the dynamic features of mid-air haptics, its ability to produce shared experiences, and its flexibility in communicating scientific concepts through metaphors and stories. We discuss how mid-air haptics can complement existing approaches of science communication, for example multimedia experiences or live exhibits by helping to create enjoyment or interest, generalized to any fields of science.


2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
Laura Bowater ◽  
Christine Cornea ◽  
Helen James ◽  
Richard P. Bowater

The contributors to this discussion teach in three different Faculties at the University of East Anglia (UEA) – Science, Arts & Humanities and Medicine & Health Sciences. They have each used science fiction to explore learning outcomes in their distinct teaching practices. The discussion below highlights how contemporary science fiction can operate as a touchstone for debate that informs biochemistry teaching. Laura, Helen and Richard have all studied basic sciences, gaining PhDs in various aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology, and each have taught undergraduates and postgraduates at UEA. Helen and Richard are based in the Faculty of Science. Laura is based in the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, and uses her interest in science communication to explore university teaching practices that involve science fiction. Christine gained a PhD from her research of technology and performance in science fiction film and is based in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Naegeli ◽  
Chloé Bouscary ◽  
Caroline Coch ◽  
Anja Fridrich ◽  
Rebecca Gugerli ◽  
...  

<p><em>Girls on Ice Switzerland</em> runs tuition-free wilderness science expeditions for young women from diverse backgrounds. The glacier expeditions interweave science (e.g. glaciology, geomorphology, environmental aspects), art and mountaineering. <em>Girls on Ice Switzerland</em> does not only intend to transfer scientific knowledge, but also aims on a general understanding of the scientific process, on a mediation of nature experiences and on an enhanced self-confidence and self-evaluation. A combination of inquire-based teaching, experiential learning, and the tangibility of climate change science in the alpine environment provide a unique teaching environment. This particular framework allows to communicate science to non- and potential not-yet-peers, to facilitate insights into the scientific work through hands-on experiences, and to enhance the participants’ general interest in science.</p><p>Between 2017 and 2019, <em>Girls on Ice Switzerland</em> organised four glacier expeditions, which were evaluated in detail by pre- and post-inquiry of the participants. Through both quantitative and qualitative methods, the evaluation focused on the (i) perception of science, (ii) scientific knowledge, (iii) critical thinking, (iv) interest in science, (v) self-assessment and self-efficiency and (vi) connection to nature. It showed that the programme overall reached its initially set aims and that it particularly fosters critical thinking, increases physical and intellectual self-confidence and strengthens confidence in women.</p><p>Here, we will present the programme <em>Girls on Ice Switzerland</em>, its link to <em>Inspiring Girls Expeditions</em> and the overall philosophy, but also highlight evaluation results that help to optimize the science communication by demanding a clear set of goals for different characteristics of the programme. The unique women-only environment is ideal to encourage young women to start studies within the field of natural sciences and strengthen young female scientists to pursue their academic career.</p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 107554702110650
Author(s):  
Shupei Yuan ◽  
Shaheen Kanthawala ◽  
Tanya Ott-Fulmore

We have witnessed an increasing amount of science podcasts, and it has emerged as an important venue for science communication. From a strategic science communication perspective, this study investigated how science podcasters view science communication–related goals and objectives, as well as the tactics they use in producing science communication content based on the theory of planned behavior. A survey ( N = 147) with science podcasters showed that they see excitement and interest in science as their most prioritized objective and present the value of science over time. In addition, our results showed that podcasters frequently use communication tactics, but it may not have resulted from planned strategic communication action. The findings of this study provide initial insight into podcasters’ views and practice as part of the science communication effort.


2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (03) ◽  
pp. E
Author(s):  
Brian Trench

The PCST (Public Communication of Science and Technology) conference, held every two years, offers an opportunity to chart the progress and direction of the international science communication community. The most recent conference, in Firenze, gave indications of a growing interest in science communication as cultural practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
pp. A01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Collver ◽  
Emma Weitkamp

While academic interest in science comics has been growing in recent years, the creators of these materials remain understudied. This research aimed to explore the experiences and views of science comic creators through the lens of science communication. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 science comic creators. Interviewees felt that the visual, narrative, permanent, and approachable qualities of comics made them particularly adept at explaining science and bringing it to new audiences. Science comic creators often had complex identities, occupying an ambiguous territory between `science' and `art', but were otherwise unconcerned with strict definitions. They emphasised the importance of balance between entertaining and informing, striving to create an engaging visual narrative without overcrowding it with facts or compromising scientific accuracy. This balancing act, and how they negotiate it, sheds light on what it means to be a science communicator operating in the space between entertainment and information/education.


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