Articles in English – Wissenschaftskommunikation.de

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Here you'll find all our English language articles. We feature opinions, interviews, discussions and summaries on current trends and topics in science communication. If you have questions or would like to contribute, please contact the editorial team: redaktion@wissenschaftskommunikation.de.

What topics are we covering?

The field of research on science communication is growing. In numerous empirical studies, researchers from various disciplines discuss topics such as the quality of communication and the public's trust in science. We approach research from a practical perspective and present selected results and debates. We also collect tips and guidelines for successful science communication, present projects and initiatives, describe ways into the job and ask researchers how they themselves communicate their science.

The Science, Craft, and Art of Mythbusting

How can myths be busted in science communication? Stefan T. Siegel, researcher at the Institute for Business Education (IWP) at the University of St. Gallen, suggests a threefold approach. He explores how science communicators can effectively deal with questionable beliefs and unfounded claims.

“AI is here to stay, so let’s learn to use it responsibly”

AI in science communication has to be done the right way. How can we ensure ethical and transparent communication practices? Researcher Núria Saladié offers practical examples based on new guidelines she and her team have developed.

“I am fighting against the politicisation of science”

Are scientists becoming too political? Fiona Fox, director of the British Science Media Centre, raises concerns about the increasing overlap between research and advocacy. She asks: How do you defend science against politicisation if scientists themselves want to be political?

„Tobacco industry-funded research needs to be viewed with a healthy dose of scepticism“

Science for profit? Tess Legg and her research group have been investigating the strategies used by different industries to influence science. In a survey, they found that the British public has a surprisingly high level of trust in research that is funded by the tobacco industry.

“Be prepared to make yourself uncomfortable”

How can science communication raise awareness of inequalities in the knowledge system? Mexican science communicator Alba Sofía Gutiérrez-Ramírez explains what epistemic justice means and why she thinks we need a radical repositioning of science communication.

How are preprints communicated online?

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the field of scholarly communication forever – preprints are now regularly picked up by the media and shared online. Alice Fleerackers and Olivia Aguiar explain how to communicate non-peer-reviewed work responsibly.

“It could prevent things from getting ugly in the keyboard wars”

Nonviolent communication is an approach originally developed by the psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. It can be used as a tool to more efficiently resolve conflicts – and according to conservation scientist Brooke Williams, has great potential for science communication.

“Most policymakers want a global perspective”

The research and policy worlds are disconnected, says Taylor Scott, a researcher at the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative. To facilitate evidence-based policymaking, she developed an intervention that brings scientists and policymakers together, optimizing science communication for better quality legislation.

„Farmers need to be active actors in climate communication“

While scientists, policymakers and activists are very present in the climate dialogue, other voices are less likely to be heard. In her study, İlkay Unay-Gailhard from the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) analyzed how young farmers are using TikTok to get involved the global discourse on agriculture and climate change.

“Non-traditional formats and discussions can result in a more productive conference”

The 2023 Inclusive SciComm Symposium is the Metcalfe Institute’s third gathering. Dr Ana Porras, a member of the organizing committee, talks about the themes of the upcoming conference and the importance of opening up the field to the global community.

“Collective action allows us to put pressure on systemic forces”

In May 2020, a diversity task force was founded at an Ecsite conference. Now, #DiverSci has transformed into a movement encompassing international science engagement communities. Lewis Hou, founder of Science Ceilidh and volunteer at #DiverSci’s Community of Practice, shares his vision for a more equitable future.

“There is something about conspiracy theories that is just fun”

Conspiracy theorists are often seen as a homogeneous group of irrational and dangerous extremist believers. In his research on Reddit, Lars de Wildt found no evidence of rabbit holes and echo chambers. Instead, many people simply liked playing with alternative worldviews.

Symbolic image: lizard

Barriers of Climate Communication

What factors prevent junior climate scientists from becoming active in science communication? In this interview, Christel van Eck talks about five main barriers climate scientists have to face and what needs to be done to overcome them.

Is generative AI biased?

While the development of ChatGPT continues to evolve rapidly, there is an equal rise in headlines declaring that AI perpetuates racial and sexist stereotypes. Kaiping Chen and her team investigated how GPT-3 fared in conversations on controversial science topics as well as other social issues. In our interview, she shares their discoveries.

A feminist agenda for science communication

Do feminism and science communication go together? Bruce Lewenstein, professor of science communication at Cornell University, says: yes. He argues that integrating a feminist lens into science communication can be transformative.

“I didn’t even know my work was considered science communication”

How can street art reinforce a sense for environmental issues in local communities? Australian street artist BOHIE and communication scholars Blake Thompson and Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens reflect on their recent collaborative paper.

“Readers are not your hostages”

Writing effectively and engagingly about complex science topics can sometimes feel like a dark art. The Open Notebook, a free and open online resource, shares the behind-the-scenes of science writing. A conversation with Siri Carpenter on writing, generative AI and the future of science journalism.

“Bring your rainbow stickers and change the discipline we work in!”

Queer voices in science communication have been traditionally marginalized and silenced. Tara Roberson, co-editor of the new textbook “Queering Science Communication”, explains how radical inclusivity can foster innovation, increase empathy and what allies can do to support.

“It’s not just about science, it’s about the values”

Why do we need Indigenous science communication? Using Nigeria as an example, Temilade Sesan and Ayodele Ibiyemi explain where Western-style science communication reaches its limits and why it is important to refocus the attention on Indigenous knowledge and traditions.

A shared European effort for excellent science communication

There is a new kid on the block in the European science communication community. The COALESCE project consortium obtained funding from the European Commission to establish cooperative relationships all throughout Europe. Jason Pridmore, the project coordinator, shares his vision for the next steps.