Lost opportunities for science communication in Spanish universities

Abstract

It is increasingly recognized that communicating science to the general public is part of a scientist’s role. However, many researchers still do not consider communication as a priority task in their agenda and most of them have no training in science communication. Moreover, most scientific researchers have no training in science communication or training in outreach to non-scientific audiences. These graduates thus currently enter a professional environment that requires communication skills that are not usually taught them during undergraduate studies. Ignoring the issue further fosters mistrust and further alienates the general public from scientific research. This article investigates the different perceptions that biomedical undergraduates at the University of Barcelona have about science communication. The aim of the study was to determine whether future biomedical researchers consider science communication to be important, whether they have any plans to consider it as a career and whether they receive sufficient information and training at university to be able to develop such a career. A key finding of the study is that students know the importance of science communication, but motivation, information and training at university level is lacking. This would suggest a perceived loss of opportunities to foster effective science communication in universities.