Public Communication Of Science And Technology Research Articles

Public Communication of Science and Technology Symposium in South Bend, Indiana, U.S.A.

This conference review discusses the July 2024 Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) symposium held in South Bend, Indiana, the first PCST symposium held in the United States. It reflects on speakers, topics, and logistics of the event.

Are we on the right path? Insights from Brazilian universities on monitoring and evaluation of Public Communication of Science and Technology in the digital environment

This study addresses the perception of theoretical models and the application of evaluation indicators in the context of Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) within the digital environment of Brazilian federal universities. The model under validation was built based on the ideal types, presenting 26 indicators for monitoring and assessment. The results of a survey applied to communication managers in these institutions indicate the higher relevance of Type 1 indicators (Inform), with some institutions adopting Type 2 (Engage) indicators and, less frequently, Type 3 (Participate) indicators. Insufficient training in social media leads to platform-dependent evaluation. Despite being considered relevant, consistent monitoring remains irregular and is secondary in PCST programs.

Participatory science communication for transformation

Participatory science communication featured in several sessions and individual papers at the 2021 online conference of the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network. This coverage recognises the drive away from linear communication to more participatory forms of science communication. In this special edition we present practice insights, papers and essays that explore participatory science communication. These contributions explore definitions, processes and describe case-studies of participatory science communication which involve a variety of publics, from young school students to Indigenous groups to farmers. In this introductory editorial we reflect on the papers, describe the growth of a participatory approach as part of the continuing evolution of science communication; explore a definition for participatory science communication; and consider some of the key concepts and issues that emerged.

Storytelling: the soul of science communication

There is a renewed interest amongst science communication practitioners and scholars to explore the potential of storytelling in public communication of science, including to understand how science storytelling functions (or could fail) in different contexts. Drawing from storytelling as the core theme of the 2018 conference of the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network, we present a selection of papers, essays and practice insights that offer diverse perspectives. Some contributions focus on the cultural and structural qualities of science stories and its key success factors, while others explore new formats, platforms and collaborators in science storytelling activities.

A historical kaleidoscope of public communication of science and technology

Science communication is today a well-established ―although young― area of research. However, there are only a few books and papers analyzing how science communication has developed historically. Aiming to, in some way, contribute to filling this gap, JCOM organized this special issue on the History of Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST), joining 15 contributions, from different parts of the globe. The papers published in this issue are organized in three groups, though with diffuse boundaries: geography, media, and discipline. The first group contains works that deal descriptively and critically with the development of PCST actions and either general or specific public policies for this area in specific countries. A second set of papers examines aspects of building science communication on TV or in print media. The third group of papers presents and discusses important PCST cases in specific areas of science or technology at various historical moments.

El papel de la experiencia histórica y la confianza en la comunicación de tecnologías emergentes: el caso de las nanotecnologías

Existe abundante literatura sobre los cambios en la relación Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad en las últimas décadas, así como la evolución de la comunicación pública de la ciencia y tecnología (CPCT), sin embargo se ha dado poca atención al origen de posturas antagónicas en controversias relacionadas con la ciencia y tecnología (C&T). Este artículo utiliza la dicotomía relaciones técnicas- relaciones sociales como instrumental teórico para explicar la razón de fondo de la diferente percepción de una tecnología emergente en diferentes sectores sociales, y se usa el caso empírico de las nanotecnologías como ejemplo. Se concluye que la experiencia histórica de las relaciones sociales debe considerarse un criterio esencial para el análisis de riesgo y para la práctica de la CPCT.

Comunicación pública de la ciencia y la tecnología: una aproximación crítica a su historia conceptual

The paper undertakes a critical review of the conceptual history of the umbrella notion of public communication of science and technology (PCST) and of the three basic models of communication it encompasses. Three closely intertwined factors are put forward explaining the emergence of these models: (1) structural changes in scientific-technological practice and concomitant shifts in the modes of science communication; (2) the diversity of stakeholders in the production, management, communication and reception of scientific knowledge; and (3) differing audience perceptions.

Review of PCST2012 conference: where is communication going?

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.

Does the public communication of science influence scientific vocation? Results of a national survey

The purpose of this work was to determine if public communication of science and technology (PCST) has any influence on people's decision to become dedicated to scientific research. For this reason, a national survey involving 852 researchers from all disciplines was conducted in Argentina. The results showed that the factors affecting scientific vocation are many, and that, regardless of differences in gender, age or discipline, the greatest influence on the decision to go into scientific research is exerted by teachers. The analysis also demonstrated that different manifestations of PCST (science books, press articles, audiovisual material, and activities such as visits to science museums) play a significant role in awakening the vocation for science. From these results it may be stated that PCST--in addition to its function of informing and forming citizens--exerts a significant influence in fostering scientific vocation.

Science communication in an era of diversity

The eighth convention of the PCST (Public Communication of Science and Technology) network, which took place in Barcelona this June, emphasised an increasing richness in reflection and practice with regard to several themes to do with science communication. This growing variety mirrors the different approaches gradually coming about in different cultural and geographical contexts. In particular, the Focus of this issue of JCOM concentrates on a presentation of the models of interpretation of science communication referring to the Mediterranean and South American cultural area.