Role Of Scientific Community Research Articles

Climate change denial theories, skeptical arguments, and the role of science communication

Climate change denial theories, skeptical arguments, and the role of science communication

The role of science communication in advancing translational gerontology.

The role of science communication in advancing translational gerontology.

Sentiment Dimensions and Intentions in Scientific Analysis: Multilevel Classification in Text and Citations

Sentiment Analysis in text, especially text containing scientific citations, is an emerging research field with important applications in the research community. This review explores the field of sentiment analysis by focusing on the interpretation of citations, presenting a detailed description of techniques and methods ranging from lexicon-based approaches to Machine and Deep Learning models. The importance of understanding both the emotion and the intention behind citations is emphasized, reflecting their critical role in scientific communication. In addition, this study presents the challenges faced by researchers (such as complex scientific terminology, multilingualism, and the abstract nature of scientific discourse), highlighting the need for specialized language processing techniques. Finally, future research directions include improving the quality of datasets as well as exploring architectures and models to improve the accuracy of sentiment detection.

Analysis of the Dissemination of Popular Science Short Videos in China: Case Study of "Wuqiongxiaoliang's Popular Science Daily"

This article explores the spread of popular science short videos in China using the example of "Wuqiongxiaoliang's popular Science Daily". The article introduces the growth of Internet users in China and the rise of short video platforms, as well as the wide application of short videos in various fields. It also discusses research on science communication, short video communication, and popular science short videos. The aim of this study is to analyze the communication strategy and effect of 'Wuqiongxiaoliang's popular Science Daily' and explore the current problems and future development direction of popular science short videos. The research questions are focused on the account's communication strategy, including the use of humor, personalized portrayals, and expertise to engage viewers. At the same time, it also highlights the problems faced by the account, such as the homogenization of content across multiple platforms and the packaging in the style of a single video. Finally, the direction of future development is suggested, including a deep understanding of user needs, the creation of unique content, a focus on current events and the integration of scientific entertainment. Popular science short videos are expected to continue playing a significant role in science communication in the digital age, provided they meet the challenges and employ innovative communication strategies.

Scientists in the news photos: Photographic portraits of scientists in China (1949-2022).

Photography plays an important role in science communication. This study investigates the photographic portraits of scientists in the news media in China from 1949 to 2022. The data consist of 1,071 photographs published in People's Daily, the most influential newspaper in China. The photographs are analysed according to a framework based on previous studies on the visual representation of scientists. Analysis shows an overall image of scientists that demonstrates distinctive 'Chinese' features, such as the prominence of group photos and governmental honours. Diachronically, the visual image of scientists evolved from the early farmer scientists acclaimed in midst of political struggle to social elites and stars celebrated as China's hope for indigenous innovation. The study enriches our understanding of the visual representation of scientists in China, and sheds light on the influence of culture, politics and social positioning of science and technology on the image of scientists created by the media.

Cell wall is a dead metaphor

It was recently suggested to end the usage of the term cell wall in microbiology (including prokaryotes and fungi) because it represented an inappropriate and potentially misleading metaphor (Casadevall and Gow, 2022). The analysis of the arguments for such a move from the viewpoint of the plant physiologist indicates that the suggestion is based on misunderstandings, first, of the early history of cell biology and its terminology; second, of the development of modern concepts of cell wall function since the late 19th century; and third, of the nature of metaphors and their role in scientific communication. We conclude that misconceptions concerning cell walls may arise due to pedagogical shortcomings in introducing students to our technical terminology rather than from the fact that part of this terminology originated from metaphors.

Supporting Activism in Latin America: The Role of Science Communication, Science Journalism, and NGOs in Socio-environmental Conflicts

ABSTRACT This exploratory paper addresses the relationship of science journalism, science communication, environmental activism, and social movements. It draws on data from Latin America, exploring how journalists and activists use science communication as a tool for telling stories about environmental conflicts that frequently turn violent (more than 1600 land and environmental activists lost their lives between 2002 and 2020 in Latin America, more than three times that of all other regions of the world combined). The main goal of the paper is to understand how scientific storytelling by NGOs helps them present their points of view for journalists and to influence public opinion. Our data is drawn from the formal reports of four NGOs and from semi-structured interviews with representatives from each NGO’s staff about their use of science communication. Our analysis suggests that Latin American NGOs use science communication tools such as scientific storytelling and scientific explanation to support journalists and to communicate with broad publics about complex phenomena such as socio-environmental conflicts, contributing to efforts to reduce the alarming amount of violence in the region.

The Communication Function of Universities: Is There a Place for Science Communication?

This article offers a view on the emerging practice of managing external relations of the modern university, and the role of science communication in this. With a representative sample of research universities in four countries, we seek to broaden our understanding of the science communication (SC) function and its niche within the modern university. We distinguish science communication from corporate communication functions and examine how they distribute across organisational levels. We find that communication functions can be represented along a spectrum of (de)centralisation: public relations and marketing activities are more likely carried out at the central level (central offices), and public affairs and SC activities are more likely carried out at decentral levels (e.g. in specific offices and/or research institutes, departments). This study shows that little attention is paid to science communication at central structures, suggesting that it is not a practice that aligns easily with university corporate communication, yet SC might find its niche increasingly in decentral locations of activity.

The role of science communication and academic health advocacy in improving population oral health and tackling inequalities.

Oral conditions are a public health problem globally and stark oral health inequalities exist between and within countries. Yet, oral diseases are rarely considered as a health priority and evidence-informed policy generation is challenging. Science communication and health advocacy are critical in that respect. However, due to time limitations, research workload and other factors, academics are usually hindered from participating in such lengthy endeavours. Here, we make the case that 'science communication and health advocacy task forces' should be a priority at academic institutions. The two main duties of these task forces are knowledge transfer about the burden of oral conditions and patterns of inequalities, and their underlying social and commercial determinants, and advocacy and mediation between the stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in policy making. These interdisciplinary task forces, including both academics and non-academics, should collectively have skills that include (1) knowledge about oral health, dental public health and epidemiology, (2) ability to communicate clearly and coherently and make the case in both lay and scientific language terms, (3) familiarity with digital and social media platforms and ability to create visual aids, videos and documentaries, (4) good negotiation skills and (5) maintaining scientific transparency and avoiding getting involved in confrontation with political parties. In the current context, the role of the academic institutions should not only be the production of knowledge, but also the active transferability and application of this knowledge towards public benefit.

Viral Suppression

When Facebook’s fact-checkers slapped a “missing context” label on a venerable medical journal’s article about breached vaccine trial protocols, they set off a very twenty-first-century fight about who should play what role in scientific communication.

JCISE Editorial – August 2022

JCISE Editorial – August 2022

Science and Dissemination for the UN Ocean Decade Outcomes: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

The Ocean Decade (OD) is the name of a United Nations (UN) initiative devoted to ocean science for sustainable development. It started in 2021 and will provide an opportunity to create a new foundation, across the science-policy interface, to strengthen the sustainable management of oceans and coasts and, at same time, bring benefits for future generations. The OD will establish a common strategy to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the other European Union (EU) and international agreements, such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Marine Biodiversity Strategy and the UN World Assessment I and II aimed at preserving ocean health. Furthermore, the OD has several expected outcomes that concern different aspects of marine environment, including its enormous values for humans. Several entities will combine efforts to achieve these goals and science is at the forefront of the sustainable blue economy. Marine research is solving complex challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, revolutionizing our life and our interaction with the ocean. This review discusses recent advancements in science related to the OD outcomes. The role of new technology for ocean exploration and monitoring, the importance of omics science and biotechnology to deal with ocean pollution, and other innovative solutions are discussed. All of these are inspired by the idea of using marine resources in a sustainable way and without impacting in a negative way on marine ecosystems. The role of science communication is therefore considered a crucial issue to spread the OD messages and to reach the general public and stakeholders. Only by the integration of science, governance, industry and public, the OD will have any chance to succeed.

Professional communities of young scientists in the face of the uncertainty of the modern world. Case of Russian research centers (according to a qualitative study)

The article discusses the key characteristics of the integration of young scientists into scientific communities in the context of "fluid" modernity. The authors consider the professional communities of young scientists as mobile networks in the society of plasma, fluid modernity, that are endowed with both autonomy and a constant mechanism for adapting to new realities, processes and transformations that exist in modern societies. Fluid modernity in the professional sphere is understood by the authors as a time of opportunity, including opportunities for young scientists to take initiatives, as well as a world of total uncertainty, where swiftness and changeability, constant search and change of various strategies become prerequisites for successful career building and career growth. The empirical basis of the analysis is the result of a qualitative study conducted with the participation of the authors. In the course of the study, 30 biographical interviews with young scientists in a city of regional significance, a young science city, and a large city of federal significance were recorded and analysed. The authors put forward a hypothesis about the importance of horizontal integration of young scientists into scientific communities. The role of the city as an actor that forms scientific communities and strategies for the interaction and integration of young scientists with scientific communities is also assessed. Particular attention is paid to the meaning of a scientific career and the individual role of scientific communities in the career of young scientists, as well as strategies for their integration into the scientific environment. As new opportunities that arise for scientists in the world of fluid modernity, there are considered changes in the configuration of strategies for both building a scientific career and integrating into scientific communities at the local, all-Russian and global levels. The authors conclude that both the city itself, its conditions and the orientation of the local scientific community, that is determined by the presence of specialised disciplines, influence the integration and construction of strategies for advancement in a scientific career. According to the authors, a successful strategy that allows using the potential of the world of fluid modernity is the horizontal integration of young scientists, that gives them the opportunity to maximise their resources.

Science Communication at a Time of Crisis: Emergency, Democracy, and Persuasion

This commentary essay reflects on the role of science communication in contemporary democratic societies, with a particular focus on how it should be imagined and practiced in times of crisis and emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic or climate change. I distinguish between science communication that is oriented to strategic and democratic goals, and argue for the continued importance of science communication in nurturing democracy even at times of crisis. I close by suggesting principles that might guide such communication, and by relating these arguments to an understanding of science communication as ‘the social conversation around science’.

Science stories: researchers’ experiences of writing science communication and the implications for training future scientists

ABSTRACT This study investigates tenured academics’ experiences of science communication—popularization of science, dissemination of scientific knowledge, and collaboration outside academia. Specifically, the study spotlights the written aspect of science communication and explores how scientists approach writing addressing audiences ‘beyond academia’. Adopting an ethnographic narrative interview approach, we explore what four researchers in different STEM fields write, how they do it and why, their perceptions about the value and the role of science communication, and the place and space it takes in their career. After presenting their individual experiences, we discuss the common themes that link their personal ‘stories’ of science communication. First, their motives align with the notion of scholarship of engagement: as a means to educate and share scientific knowledge, science communication has a democratic value. Secondly, they engage in a wide range of writing practices and genres, based on the nature of their work and their field of expertise. Additionally, while they personally value writing science communication, this engagement takes time away from their academic writing and other types of scientific work. We conclude with suggestions for further research and the development of training programs for future scientists that build on established writing pedagogies.

How spin-off companies can play a role in science communication

How spin-off companies can play a role in science communication

Role of science communication during Covid Pandemic in India

If we look back over the periods of the history, man has been witnessesd to tragedies. Pandemics are also one of them. In the past there have been many pandemics like spanish flu, influenza etc, which have badly affected human life. The corona pandemmic is also one of them In such situation, science communication emerges as an essential element, The role of science communication in the era of covid-19 has been mentioned in this paper.

Public communication at research universities: Moving towards (de)centralised communication of science?

This research note reports empirical observations on public communication of research institutes within universities, using data from an international quantitative study in eight countries (N = 2030). The note aims to contribute to discussions on the role of science communication at research universities. We observe growing science communication at the institute level, which indicates, at a first glance, a trend towards decentralised communication of science. We argue that these might be places where science communication and public engagement can thrive. Rather than claiming to be conclusive, our goal here is to stimulate discussion on the ongoing changes in the organisational science communication landscape, and the consequences it may have for practice.

Featuring Torah Kachur


 
 
 Dr. Torah Kachur is a passionate science communicator, as a science columnist for CBC Radio and co-creator of scienceinseconds.com, and a lecturer at the University of Alberta and MacEwan University. In this interview, Dr. Kachur told Eureka about her background in science and beyond, motivations as a scientist, and her perspective on the role of communication in science.
 
 

Grounding Ocean Ethics While Sharing Knowledge and Promoting Environmental Responsibility: Empowering Young Ambassadors as Agents of Change

Actions addressing youths and marine science for “ambassadorship” are increasingly implemented via dedicated programs at the European and global level within the relevant policy frameworks, as a way for fostering the exchange of knowledge and cross-fertilizing practices among the Countries and basins. These programs are conceived to address the future generations of scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens, and to promote the awareness and shared responsibility on the sustainable use of marine resources in an authentic and credible way, through the empowerment of young researchers and professionals, communicators, or activists. Thus, such ambassadors are well-positioned to act as agents of change, improving the dimension of Ocean Ethics related to inclusive governance, especially necessary for an equal, just, and sustainable management of multi-actor and transboundary socio-environmental contexts. Pivoting on the Young Ambassadors' Program developed in the framework of the BlueMed Research and Innovation (R&I) Initiative for blue jobs and growth in the Mediterranean area as case practice, the article aimed to propose some reflections about the long-term perspective of such experiences. Outlining an emerging physiognomy of the “One Ocean Ambassadors,” it discusses their potential to build the next generation of responsible scientists, citizens, and decision-makers and to embed ethical principles in research-based marine governance. In addition, it addresses process-related elements, such as balancing advocacy and ethics and reflecting on the role of science communication. To further consolidate this practice, this article finally seeks to incorporate the intercultural aspects to connect the local to the global dimension toward a sustainable and value-based ocean governance.