Science Communication Research Articles

NNT and NNH: statistics and stochastics in the evaluation of added therapeutic value

Any pharmacological, invasive, surgical health intervention should have an added therapeutic value as well as the requirements of quality, safety, efficacy, to be considered as a medical device based on scientific evidence and of clinical utility for the patient. The intervention should be shared between the doctor and the patient who should have rigorous but simple tools to decide on the best therapy to undertake. Assessment of relative risk reduction is commonly used in the scientific literature to quantify both statistical and clinical significance. The reduction of the relative risk is independent of the baseline risk and is useful for comparing the results of trials conducted on populations at different risk levels. A biased reading of relative risk reduction can be used to emphasize the magnitude of the benefit for market innovation. The absolute risk reduction, on the other hand, is proportional to the magnitude of the baseline risk and is a more useful parameter for physicians and patients to understand the extent of benefit and harm, especially if the parameter is expressed in terms of the number needed to treat (NNT) or to harm (NNH). The mode of scientific communication is important for doctors' choices and patients' trust. Even true data can be fake in communication and perception by resorting to verbose paraphrases. Presenting the results of clinical trials in stochastic as well as statistical terms is useful for doctors and patients to verify whether it is worth practicing a certain treatment whose success sometimes has the probability of winning the lottery, also considering side effects and adverse events. One of the most important challenges in precision medicine will be understanding the relationship between probability and randomness.

Editorial: Innovation measurement for scientific communication (IMSC) in the era of big data

Editorial: Innovation measurement for scientific communication (IMSC) in the era of big data

Characterization of polarized scientific digital messages: a scoping review

This scoping review elucidated the characteristics of polarized scientific digital messages credited by researchers for studying the impact of content on people's perceptions. Inclusion criteria encompassed discourse and content analysis studies examining the syntactic and lexical features of polarized messages in online science communication, as well as crossover and randomized information intervention studies. Studies without sufficient detail for data extraction or that did not address message characteristics were excluded. After these exclusions, 10 studies were evaluated for the outcomes. Characteristics of polarized messages were observed to include topic dependency, single viewpoint, discredit of opposing views, emphasis on the minority and flaws of concurrent discourses, and uses of assertive statements, intensifiers, controversy, partisanship, skepticism, sarcasm, vague lexicons, and expert opinion support. As a result, we propose a system of codification for identifying and characterizing polarized discourses in science communication digital messages that can be employed in further content analysis studies.

Visualizing science - the rise of graphical abstracts in public health journals

Abstract Background As graphical abstracts (GA) gain popularity in scientific journals, they enhance visibility and engagement by summarizing research articles visually, while reaching both scientists and lay audiences more effectively. This study assesses the integration of GA in public health journals, focusing their role in enhancing scientific dissemination. Methods We conducted a descriptive quantitative analysis of 163 top-tier journals in Public Health, Environmental, and Occupational Health, using SCImago rankings. The analysis focused on factors such as mentions of GA and video abstracts (VA) in guidelines, mandatory use of GA, accessibility to GA, and adherence to GA’s best practices, which include graphical support, titles, and basic explanations. Results Of the journals analysed, 43 (26.4%) mention GA in their guidelines; only three (1.8%) require their mandatory use. Eight journals (4.9%) offer GA as part of paid promotional services, while 16 (9.8%) provide easy access to GA in their articles, and just six adhere to basic best practices. VA is mentioned in 25 journals (15.3%), with only nine (5.5%) featuring both GA and VA. Dedicated website sections for GA or VA are found in six journals (3.7%). Elsevier B.V. and Wiley-Blackwell are leaders in promoting GA usage, with 19 and nine mentions in guidelines, respectively. Conclusions The adoption of GA in public health journals is increasing, yet full adherence to best practices is not widespread. This trend points to a more visually engaging form of scientific communication, potentially influencing publication standards and research dissemination. The study underscores the need for further training in GA production and promotion among researchers and editors. Additionally, the emergence of GA as a paid promotional tool indicates a novel approach to broadening research outreach, with relevant implications for the standardization of scientific communication across Europe. Key messages • Only 26.4% of public health journals mention graphical abstracts, highlighting the need for wider adoption to enhance research visibility. • Graphical abstracts boost engagement, but adherence to best practices remains low, underlining the need for better training in visual communication.

Ensuring sustainable impact of the national report on climate change and health in Germany 2023

Abstract Issue/problem The Robert Koch Institute recently coordinated a status report on climate change and health for Germany, detailing the current and future impact of climate change on health through 14 chapters. Description of the problem A central aim was to ensure the report’s long-term impact and public health value. Essential areas of focus have therefore been stakeholder-specific communication and establishing a network of experts for continued scientific exchange. Results The publication of the report as peer-reviewed articles has served to reach the scientific community. Another target group are public health practitioners and decision makers at subnational levels, who can contribute towards climate change mitigation and adaptation measures relevant to health, as recommended in the report. This latter group was reached through various methods and formats of science communication, including conferences aimed at the public health sector, through target-group oriented podcasts, social media engagement and digital town hall discussions. Following publication, the experts involved in writing, reviewing and using the report were invited to establish a network in order to support long-term scientific exchange and collaborations and in turn ensure the report’s sustainable impact and value. Lessons Through follow-up evaluations, the reception of the report and the further communication needs of this target group were analysed. A major lesson was to include the insights of public health practitioners more systematically and at an earlier stage in any future reports. As for the establishment of a network, a survey amongst the authors and other experts showed what this group considers the goals of this network: creating synergies and connections with existing initiatives and providing a platform for further exchange, especially amongst researchers addressing similar questions, such as the efficacy of mitigation and adaptation measures, from different angles. Key messages • Local public health practitioners are important stakeholders for climate change and health for ensuring public health impact. • The expertise in the network will support continued scientific exchange on climate change and health and thus ensure the national report’s sustainability.

How much digital public health is taught in German public health programs? A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Digital public health (DiPH) professionals are crucial for a successful digital transformation in social and health care. However, the extent to which academic professionals are taught DiPH-related content in their public health studies in Germany remains unclear. Methods We used a systematic module handbook analysis to assess accredited full-time public health-oriented degree programs at German Universities for DiPH-related modules. Programs were identified through the Hochschulkompass platform and among the German Public Health Association member programs. We used MAXQDA for the content analysis of the included module handbooks. Results We identified 79 public health programs. Of these, 10 Bachelor’s and 6 Master’s offered at least one DiPH module, all being highly heterogeneous in their overall addressed public health subfields. Regarding DiPH, 6 programs lectured on the ethics of digitalizing health and data protection, 5 programs each offered modules on DiPH in health policy, on data science in healthcare and software used for eHealth, or on the digital determinants of health. 4 programs each included modules on digital health promotion and alternative evaluation methods. 3 programs each addressed digital science communication and health technology assessment. Finally, 2 programs had modules on digital epidemiology. We found differences between the common understanding of DiPH in academia and the content in the module handbooks. The content identified in the analysis focused mainly on technical areas. Social and health science content was only marginally present. Conclusions The diverse DiPH study programs allow academic public health specialists in Germany to develop specific profiles. There is a need for further development of modules with relevance to the respective degree program to achieve comprehensive competencies in DiPH. We encourage the uptake of our analysis to develop a core curriculum in DiPH among European public health programs. Key messages • Digitalization affects all areas of life, including healthcare systems and public health. Preparing the future workforce already during their training is crucial to enable them to lead the change. • German public health programs are not fit to prepare students for their professions. Developing DiPH curricula with pre-defined and updated competencies will strengthen programs in Germany and beyond.

Recording diagnostic conversations for communication research purposes in pediatric leukemia.

Recordings of patient-doctor interactions is a recommended method in communication research. However, concerns are expressed regarding audio-recording of conversations with vulnerable patients. Our study examined experiences of children, parents, and oncologists with recording diagnostic conversations in the pediatric acute leukemia setting. Results show that recording conversations is generally well received by virtually all children and parents. Pediatric oncologists seem to overestimate the expected emotional burden for children and parents, which may lead to gatekeeping by professionals. This in turn may lead to a decrease in patient autonomy and research quality when addressing relevant questions in communication science.

Empowering Early Career Researchers: The Jackson Heart Study Smith Scholars Program.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Graduate Training and Education Center houses the Robert E. Smith, MD, Scholars Program, a two-year certificate program that equips predoctoral trainees from five Mississippi universities with advanced research skills in cardiovascular epidemiology. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the program focuses on addressing health disparities, minority health, and health inequities in underserved communities. Trainees receive mentorship, career coaching, and a $7,500 annual stipend, building a foundation for postdoctoral opportunities and expanding professional networks. The Smith Scholars Program emphasizes population health and provides interdisciplinary training in areas such as biostatistics, scientific communication, and cardiovascular health. It is uniquely positioned to address systemic challenges, particularly in Mississippi, a state with high cardiovascular disease prevalence and limited research funding. The program's regional advantage and its partnership with the Jackson Heart Study offer scholars exposure to health disparities in Black/African American communities, preparing them to contribute to innovative, community-based research. Additionally, it fosters collaborative science, enabling participants to overcome academic barriers and engage with large-scale health equity research efforts. The Smith Scholars Program has been instrumental in shaping the career trajectories of its participants, facilitating their transition to postdoctoral positions and independent research roles.

Situating data stories in space to entice new audiences to engage with science

ABSTRACT Science communication predominantly engages individuals who already possess a pre-existing interest in science, thereby limiting its reach to a broader and more diverse audience. Situated approaches that intertwine content with spatial design may overcome interest barriers as it allows for spontaneous encounters with science. This paper describes the design of a multi-modal physicalisation coined Star Listener as the result of a collaboration between scientific experts (in astrophysics), design researchers and media professionals. Star Listener consists of different sensory engagement modalities, including textual information panels, speakers that distribute sonified data of stars, two public video displays with an animated explainer and interactive touchscreens with a mini-game. Star Listener was placed in an entryway of a public library for a period of 2 months. We evaluated this set-up by observing and interviewing passersby, both in an in-the-wild study and as a controlled in-the-wild study. We present design recommendations for the design of situated data representations and narrative physicalisations to support engagement of varied audiences with science.

New horizons of science popularization in libraries

In the recent decade, the interest in popular science seminars, lectures and master classes has been growing, which is evidenced by the specialists of libraries, museums and educational organizations. The authors argue that the dialogue between science and society should be enhanced, and it is important to attract public attention to the achievements in science and technology and to cultivate learning interest. The authors review the process of science popularization in Russia and the world, as science popularization is seen as the essential part of educating information literacy and engaging wider community in the world of scientific knowledge. The authors discuss various methods and instruments of science and technology popularization. The focus is made on the role of specialized and academic libraries being the hubs of knowledge dissemination and scientific communication, and supporting different user groups. The authors provide several recommendations for the libraries, in particular, on how to organize popular science events and to develop specialized programs for different age user groups. New options for preserving scientific knowledge digital collections, their processing and further utilization, are also proposed.

Extreme Heat and Air Quality: Community Leader Perspectives on Information Barriers and Opportunities in Two Environmental Justice Communities.

Extreme heat and air pollution exposure are leading causes of adverse cardiorespiratory health outcomes. Exposure reduction strategies are often focused at the local level. This study examined critical challenges community leaders face in understanding and sharing environmental exposure and health information. We conducted interviews with 19 community leaders of two urban environmental justice communities in Massachusetts, United States. Using directed content analysis, we examined air quality and heat perceptions, information and data resources, and barriers to understanding and communicating relevant local information. Participants shared concerns about both poor air quality and extreme heat. They also expressed the opinion that exposure risk information about these topics is siloed; heat and air quality data can be hard to access, interpret, and effectively communicate with community members. Solutions recommended by participants included community engagement, open-data portals, and creative science communication. Increasing sustainable collaborations among academic, government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors is recommended.

Building search and analytical competences of master’s students for scientific reviewing

Today, scientific reviewing is not the area of strength of Russian researchers. In many ways, it is due to the lack of research competences taught to the graduate students, and, in particular, search and analytical competences that correspond to the active-operational component of the competence. To overcome this shortcoming, the authors have developed and tested an approach to selecting publications for scientific reviewing. The approach comprises five steps: selecting the starting sample, its expansion, truncation, analysis, and final selection. The pedagogical experiment accomplished with the small groups demonstrated significant increase in the level of research competences in the master’s students who took the specialized course Science Communication based on the above approach. The course resulted in increased competences essential for effective search and analysis of scientific information. Further implementation of the method will improve the educational environment for building research competences in graduate students.

ELEKTRON BİBLİOQRAFİYANIN İNFORMASİYA, TƏHSİL VƏ TƏDQİQAT MÜHİTİNDƏ ROLU

This research paper aims to highlight the current state of electronic bibliography and its role in spheres of information activity. In the article, electronic bibliographic activity was considered as an ele¬ment of scientific communication and interpreted as one of the important actors in meeting the information needs of users working in the field of information, education and scientific research. A brief explanation of electronic bibliographic products was given, and the advantages of the digital bibliographic service realized in the Internet environment were discussed. The article also classified users from a general point of view, and mentioned the necessity of bibliographic support for researchers and students when choosing literature.

Examination of public perceptions of microbes and microbiomes in the United States reveals insights for science communication.

Within a changing research and media landscape, misconceptions and misinformation about microorganisms and microbiomes can arise, necessitating improvements in science communication practices through insights in public perceptions of the microbial world. Yet, little is known about public perceptions of microorganisms and microbiomes, making it difficult to develop tailored messaging. Here we perform an inductive thematic analysis with interviews and surveys from thirty adults across the United States to identify key factors to enhance microbial science communication efforts. Together, our results underscore the importance of 1) recognizing the existing and desired future knowledge of an audience, 2) aligning with broader socio-scientific issues that resonate with people in relevant channels using social networks, 3) fostering collaboration between microbiologists, social scientists, and communicators to improve messaging, and 4) appealing to people's values and emotions to establish meaningful connections. This study concludes that non-microbial interests, such as an interest in health and wellness, may lead to acquisition of microbial knowledge and that people want scientists to share microbial messages preferably on platforms like social media. Additionally, we identified confusion about microbial terms and a desire to understand human-centric benefits of microorganisms and microbiomes. We suggest that microbiologists partner with science communicators to develop microbial messaging, capitalizing on connections to non-microbial interests and appealing to people's microbial worldview.

Communication and engagement for basic science: insights and practical considerations

Basic research underpins the innovations that power the global economy and shape society. It is the focus of scientific investment for both The Kavli Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. Yet it has been rare to see basic research command much attention, practice, or scholarship in science communication. In December 2020, we launched the Science Public Engagement Partnership, or SciPEP, a limited term public-private partnership, to dive into basic science communication headlong. Our work through SciPEP has led to new insights about audiences’ relationship to basic science, as well as the needs and interests of those who communicate basic research. We see a path forward that involves forging more partnerships between scholars who study science communication and practitioners of basic science communication.

Enhancing public engagement and science communication through participatory astronomy: insights from the Surabaya Astronomy Club's star party model

This practice insight examines the Surabaya Astronomy Club (SAC) and its innovative approach to science communication and public engagement in Indonesia. Through organized star parties and community outreach, SAC leverages astronomy to foster public interest and enhance scientific literacy. The club's activities are deeply influenced by Indonesia's cultural and social context, emphasizing communal participation and integrating scientific phenomena with traditional and religious practices. Despite its successes, SAC faces challenges such as limited resources and the need for more systematic evaluation. Recommendations for improvement include expanding resource acquisition, adopting robust evaluation methodologies, enhancing inclusivity, and maintaining high-quality engagement. By partnering with governmental bodies and community organizations, SAC bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public policy, demonstrating astronomy's relevance to societal issues and fostering a more informed and engaged public.

Digital Archives for Academic Heritage: Tools and Processing Environments for the Museum Metaverse and Scientific Dissemination

Abstract. In recent years the digital visualisation techniques, including 3D digital models of indoor spaces, saw an exponential increase in their applications, both in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and of Cultural Heritage (CH). This growth is mainly due to the increasing affordability of tools for the acquisition and elaboration of three-dimensional digital survey/data management and to their increasing ‘user friendliness’.The research proposes a further step on research started some years ago by our group about the exploration of indoor mapping for the creation of the 3D virtual museum of our Institution, starting with the realisation of a virtual model of the university’s spaces (departments and halls). At first, the virtual museum will host the Curioni Digital Collection, which consist of circa 140 wooden models of building details, bridges, tunnels, and vaults designed by prof. G. Curioni during the second half of the XIX century as teaching aids for the Construction and Structural Design classes. A comparison between two main tools to support management and diffusion of geometrical, alphanumerical, and topological data will be given (Matterport and Unity). The parallel approach considering two tools is to provide a digital twin of a real collection placed in a real space, and, on the other hand, to use a real historical university space, virtualized, to host a virtual collection.

Engaging with discovery science: expanding the conversation within the science communication community

Many of us who engage with or communicate about discovery science — sometimes called curiosity-driven research or basic research — have grown increasingly concerned in recent years by the disproportionate attention to applied science, medicine, and technology, seemingly at the expense of basic science. This concern led to the creation of a joint U.S. Department of Energy-Kavli Foundation initiative, the Science Public Engagement Partnership (SciPEP) to catalyze and advance scholarship and practice specifically about communicating discovery science. This special issue is one outcome of that effort. In this issue, readers will find scholarship, practice, and thought leadership that explore the many different communication modes for sharing discovery science employed by scientists, their institutions, and the communicators who work with them. The issue also suggests ways to support basic scientists in identifying and clarifying their goals and audiences depending on what and with whom they are communicating.

Can media inspire public engagement with astronomy? Assessing information modalities and potential mechanisms for inspiration in a basic science context

Although many science communicators strive to inspire audiences, scant research has sought to understand how media may evoke inspiration. The present study was a three-condition (modality: text-only, audio-only, and audiovisual) between-subjects experiment examining how media content about the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) motivated participants’ feeling moved, awe, curiosity, rumination, and their inspiration state. The findings revealed no statistical difference between using text or audio content, but that audiovisual content can hinder rumination if self-transcendent emotions are not induced. Findings revealed that content leading participants to feeling moved and experiencing awe should lead to reflective thought, and ultimately, feelings of inspiration.

Bringing the Ocean to the Stage: Performing Coastal Values and Marine Management

Recent years have witnessed a seemingly constant call for improved understanding of human–ocean relationships, resulting in a “boom” of marine social science research, sometimes framed through the lens of ocean literacy. Defined as having an understanding of your influence on the ocean, and its influence on you, ocean literacy has gained traction in recent years as a way of better understanding the complexities of human–ocean relationships. However, despite this interest in the human dimensions of the ocean, coasts and seas, and a corresponding increase in broader marine social sciences research, qualitative and arts‐based research approaches continue to remain on the periphery of ocean research. This article explores the role of two ocean research “outliers,” intersecting arts‐based practice and marine social sciences through the lens of interconnected performances designed to explore the diverse values held by communities about their marine and coastal environment. Undertaken as part of the Diverse Marine Values project, the performances brought together ocean scientists, coastal and marine managers, and community members to create original performance pieces in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, and Portsmouth, England. Drawing heavily on applied theatre practice and scholarship, these distinct but interrelated performances utilised elements of forum theatre, devised theatre, and storytelling to address marine issues important to each respective community, with a view to understanding and fostering ocean literacy. In each location, the performance work illustrated ways in which theatre can serve as not only a tool for science communication, but also a research method to explore a range of ocean literacy dimensions. The performances helped the research team, comprised jointly of specialist theatre practitioners and experts in ocean literacy, coastal management, and plastics pollution to reshape data collection and stakeholder engagement. This collaborative theatre‐making process led to deeper conversations and embedded engagement within each coastal community. It also led to a fundamental reshaping of the questions and approaches that the marine managers and scientists asked of the communities in question. The article presents a discussion of the challenges of bridging these related, but often distant, disciplines, and highlights the role of arts‐based research practice in broader ocean literacy research and discourse.