The ivory tower of academia in the era of climate change: European scientists’ engagement in science popularization related to single-use plastics

Abstract

Single-use plastics (SUPs) pose a major threat to the environment and public health due to their persistent popularity, exponential growth, and skeptical predictions regarding disposal methods. However, despite the declared importance of this topic in the scientific community, related science popularization efforts remain superficial. Here, we present a novel approach integrating the circular economy (CE) with the quintuple helix model to reveal interlinkages between academics, CE stakeholders and the public to assess how scientists face their responsibility for knowledge brokerage and popularization. SUP related researchers from four EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Poland) participated in a survey, followed by a complementary focus group. Most respondents considered science popularization as very or extremely important, and primarily to be carried out by scientists and journalists. The most popular channels were workshops, press, social media, while target audiences included mainly consumers, policy makers and local authorities. Despite the acknowledgment of the scientific mission (social impact, care for nature), popularization activities are discouraged by lack of time and improper research evaluation. Consumers' decisions are closely linked to environmental awareness which cannot be raised based on often false, easily accessible viral news. Involving the latter in science popularization requires systemic changes that, on the one hand, encourage researchers to leave their ivory towers (e.g., by including popularization achievements into research evaluation) and, on the other hand, provide them with relevant skills. This will hopefully increase trust in science among the public, and ultimately lead to a more rational use of plastics..