Science Communication Research Articles

Hype in the Public Communication of Science-Intensive Entrepreneurship: An Analysis of the Spanish Radio Show ‘Los Revolucionarios’

This paper investigates the phenomenon of hype in the public communication of science-intensive entrepreneurship. It analyses 70 episodes of the Spanish radio show ‘Los Revolucionarios’, encompassing the two complete seasons of emissions (2022–2024). It conducts a content analysis that aims to determine the main features of the companies whose technologies are showcased in ‘Los Revolucionarios’, to elucidate whether ‘Los Revolucionarios’ conveys a hyped representation of science-intensive entrepreneurship, and, finally, to disclose whether nationalist ideologies may underpin the content of the show. The main conclusion is that science-intensive entrepreneurship has been greatly ‘hyped’ in ‘Los Revolucionarios’. The primary indicator in this respect is that the frequency of mentions to benefits or advantages of the technologies showcased trebles the number of references to risks, threats or limitations. Results from other analytic categories lend further support to this conclusion. In turn, the analysis refutes our preliminary hypothesis that there might be a nationalist component underpinning the content of ‘Los Revolucionarios’, thus nuancing and qualifying the findings made in previous studies. The ultimate aim of this paper is to lay the groundwork for more theoretically and empirically oriented research that addresses the public communication of science and technology from a critical perspective.

A New Multicommodity Network Flow Model and Branch and Cut for Optimal Quantum Boolean Circuit Synthesis

This study introduces a new optimization model and a branch-and-cut approach for synthesizing optimal quantum circuits for reversible Boolean functions, which are pivotal components in quantum algorithms. Although heuristic algorithms have been extensively explored for quantum circuit synthesis, research on exact counterparts remains relatively limited. However, the need to design quantum circuits with guaranteed optimality is increasing, especially for improving computational fidelity on noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. This study presents mathematical optimization as a viable option for optimal synthesis, with the potential to accommodate practical considerations arising in fast-evolving quantum technologies. We set a demonstrative problem to implement reversible Boolean functions using high-level gates known as multiple control Toffoli gates while minimizing a technology-based proxy called quantum cost—the number of low-level gates used to realize each high-level gate. To address this problem, we propose a discrete optimization model based on a multicommodity network and discuss potential future variations at an abstract level to incorporate technical considerations. A customized branch and cut is then developed upon different aspects of our model, including polyhedron integrality, surrogate constraints, and variable prioritization. Our experiments demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach in finding cost-optimal circuits for all benchmark instances within a two-hour time frame. Furthermore, we present interesting intuitions from these experiments and compare our computational results with relevant studies, highlighting newly discovered circuits with the lowest quantum costs reported in this paper. History: Accepted by Giacomo Nannicini, Area Editor for Quantum Computing. This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Journal on Computing Special Issue on Quantum Computing. Funding: This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology, South Korea [Grants 2017R1E1A1A0307098814 and 2020R1A4A307986411]. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2024.0562 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2024.0562 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .

Improving English proficiency for scientific communication by non-fluent speakers.

Improving English proficiency for scientific communication by non-fluent speakers.

The devil‐angel shift in times of crisis: How Swiss scientists used policy narratives during the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractThis paper studies how scientists participated in policy debates during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Switzerland not only by telling facts but also by telling stories. It combines insights from Narrative Policy Framework and science communication literature with a conceptualization of scientific advice to study how scientists used narratives and the devil‐angel shift narrative strategy to communicate about policies and problems. Quantitative content analysis of Swiss newspaper articles shows that in statements with problem advice scientists use more narratives than in statements with policy advice and that the devil‐angel shift score for problem advice is significantly lower for narratives with problem advice. Overall, the research shows that problem advice is a good predictor for the use of the devil shift. However, when scientists used narratives with policy advice, they often followed a negative narrative strategy that also highlights problems.

Communicating science across different cultures — a reflection on the PCST Suzhou Symposium 2024

The symposium occurred from 17–19 October 2024 in Suzhou, China, a city famous for its long history and rich culture and often called “the heaven on Earth”. The 230 delegates from 26 countries spent two insightful days immersed in the world of science communication. The event highlighted that Chinese policymakers and research leaders are taking science communication and science literacy seriously. In his opening speech, Professor Yanhao Xu, Vice Chairman of the National Education, Science, Health and Sports Committee, recalled that China has a special law on science popularisation that recognises science communication as of equal importance to technological innovation. This also means that suitable communication activities must accompany every major Chinese scientific initiative.

Communicating About Renewable Energy With Satire: The Influence of Gentle and Harsh Humor Tones on Perceived Message Credibility and Information Reliance

Satire is often used in science communication, but it is unclear how it influences perceptions of message credibility and reliance on the information. We examine how two satire types (gentle, harsh) influence perceived message credibility and information reliance, which we define as using the information in discussions or for attitudinal and behavioral changes. Using a partial mediation model, we found no effects of gentle satire, but harsh satire negatively influenced message credibility, which was positively linked to information reliance. Contrary to previous research, we found that the satire type matters. Practical implications include being cautious when using harsh satire.

Tritium determination in natural water samples in Fukushima from 2022 to 2023 using an ultra-low-level tritium counting system.

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident created large stockpiles of tritium containing cooling water, which is to be gradually released into the Pacific Ocean, gaining attention from surrounding countries, environmental groups, and local residents concerned with the possibility of increasing tritium concentrations in the water and food cycle. Establishing baseline concentration levels and monitoring tritium immission values are important for assuring public safety, providing data for scientific research and risk communication. Tritium concentrations in the environment are very low; therefore, tritium measurements require enrichment in order to estimate the radiation exposure from drinking water intake and provide information on the water cycle. Natural water samples were collected at Tomioka Town located south of the FDNPP. Samples were distilled, enriched by electrolysis, and re-distilled using an improved SPE method to preconcentrate tritium to measureable levels. Tritium concentrations were determined by a low-background liquid scintillation counter. The observed tritium concentrations were relatively low, rainwater had a mean and SD value of 0.40±0.13Bq/L, and freshwater samples showed similar concentrations, while brackish coastal water samples were below 0.13±0.02Bq/L. The observed tritium concentrations in this study are considered safe as effective doses based on annual drinking water intake; however, continous monitoring is necessary to assure public safety.

Reflecting With Teachers on Research-Based Tools: The ySKILLS Education Toolkit

This article focuses on the links between academic research and educational practices, examining how practitioners use, contextualize, and co-construct research findings on digital skills. To explore these issues, firstly we present an education toolkit developed within a European research project and aligned with normative and substantive guidelines for science communication. Aiming to grasp the potentialities and limitations of the toolkit in action, we then explore the perceptions of teachers from two educational settings in Portugal who employed it in their classrooms. Subsequent focus groups evidenced overall positive feedback from teachers, complemented by practical tips to improve the usefulness of the toolkit and adherence to it by teachers and students, thus adding layers of knowledge to the performative dimension of an evidence-based resource and building bridges between the academic and professional worlds.

Editorial: The shadowlands of (geo)science communication in academia – definitions, problems, and possible solutions

Abstract. Science communication is an important part of research, including in the geosciences, as it can (1) benefit both society and science and (2) make science more publicly accountable. However, much of this work takes place in “shadowlands” that are neither fully seen nor understood. These shadowlands are spaces, aspects, and practices of science communication that are not clearly defined and may be harmful with respect to the science being communicated or for the science communicators themselves. With the increasing expectation in academia that researchers should participate in science communication, there is a need to address some of the major issues that lurk in these shadowlands. Here, the editorial team of Geoscience Communication seeks to shine a light on the shadowlands of geoscience communication by geoscientists in academia and suggest some solutions and examples of effective practice. The issues broadly fall under three categories: (1) harmful or unclear objectives, (2) poor quality and lack of rigor, and (3) exploitation of science communicators working within academia. Ameliorating these problems will require the following action: (1) clarifying objectives and audiences, (2) adequately training science communicators, and (3) giving science communication equivalent recognition to other professional activities. In this editorial, our aim is to cultivate a more transparent and responsible landscape for geoscience communication – a transformation that will ultimately benefit the progress of science; the welfare of scientists; and, more broadly, society at large.

Science communication for a sustainable academia: a comparative analysis of public and private universities Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain

Introduction: This research outlines a comprehensive study aimed at exploring the role of science communication in high education institutions, its impact and future sustainability in European universities across Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Methodology: By conducting a comparative review, we aim to provide valuable insights that can inform policy decisions and practices in the field of education sciences sharing knowledge in a more efficient manner. Through an examination of existing corporate data of public and private centers (N = 166) by conducting an exhaustive quantitative and correlational analysis of its official digital communications. Results: it is spotted that Spanish universities include more direct messages towards science communications, while Netherlands make much less general load but focuses more on sustainability topics. Findings suggests that in the stakeholder management, quantitative attempts in digital media are stronger from public institutions but may not be as decisive as the quality efforts, given that although Spain leads a higher gross value of online corporate communications, Dutch and Portuguese public universities are relatively much better valued in the global worldwide academic classification. Conclusions: This first study reveals an innovative unique new approach in cross-analyzing sustainable scientist knowledge, European universities, and international rating impacts based on the ARWU ranking.

Strategic policy options to improve quality and productivity of biomedical research.

Emerging societal expectations from biomedical research and intensifying international scientific competition are becoming existential matters. Based on a review of pertinent evidence, this article analyzes challenges and formulates public policy recommendations for improving productivity and impact of life sciences. Critical risks include widespread quality defects of research, particularly non-reproducible results, and narrow access to scientifically sound information giving advantage to health misinformation. In funding life sciences, the simultaneous shift to nondemocratic societies is an added challenge. Simply spending more on research will not be enough in the global competition. Considering the pacesetter role of the federal government, five national policy recommendations are put forward: (i) funding projects with comprehensive expectations of reproducibility; (ii) public-private partnerships for contemporaneous quality support in laboratories; (iii) making research institutions accountable for quality control; (iv) supporting new quality filtering standards for scientific journals and repositories, and (v) establishing a new network of centers for scientific health communications.

MALDI-TOF – an amazing tool for microbial identification

The Biochemical Society identifies and celebrates outstanding science communication talent in the molecular biosciences with its annual Science Communication Prize. Anna Partyka won the second prize in the media category for students in further education. Anna’s piece is titled ‘MALDI-TOF – an amazing tool for microbial identification’.

Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students

Purpose: Professional identity (PI) serves to aid preprofessionals by contributing to a sense of purpose as students pursue their academic requirements. The importance of PI has been explored across other allied health fields including nursing, social work, and medicine. However, this topic has not been thoroughly investigated in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), and there is limited information on perceptions of PI among CSD students. Method: The current study is a secondary analysis of existing data. An adapted version of the PI Five-Factor Scale was administered via an anonymous online survey. Student participants self-reported perceptions of PI and perceived program support. Differences on the factors were tested using t tests and analysis of variance to explore differences between groups. Results: Significant differences were found between monolingual and multilingual students, with monolingual English-speaking students reporting higher perceptions of PI. There were no significant differences in PI between genders, racial groups, or first-generation students versus students of parents with varying educational backgrounds. Participant responses skewed toward a positive PI. Similar results were found for participants' perceptions of program support for PI across the five factors. Conclusions: PI has been extensively explored in allied health fields, but the topic has not been explored in speech-language pathology. Study findings can be used to help better serve students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. These data can support the recruitment and retention of culturally and linguistically diverse students with goals to increase the diversity of the pipeline of future professionals.

Implementing Transparency in Learning and Teaching in Higher Ed in Speech Science Coursework: A Tutorial

Purpose: Transparent Instruction in Learning and Teaching in Higher Ed (TILT Higher Ed) is an evidence-based teaching method that can be used in Speech Science teaching to facilitate success of all learners. In addition, TILT Higher Ed has been found to provide an inclusive learning environment and promote belonging in the classroom context. Conclusions: The goal of this tutorial is to provide background information, a rationale, and a guide for implementation of the core principles of TILT Higher Ed into Speech Science coursework, which includes Transparent Assessment Design and Transparent Teaching Methods. A case will also be made for an overall shift of increased use of inclusive teaching methods within undergraduate communication sciences and disorders courses.

Communicating Your Story: Value of Diversifying Science Communications in Research

Communicating Your Story: Value of Diversifying Science Communications in Research

Training undergraduate biomedical science majors in peer review and constructive criticism through a senior capstone course.

Effective scientific communication is crucial for undergraduate students to succeed in future graduate or professional careers in the biomedical sciences. Peer review and constructive criticism are essential to producing written science communications. Unfortunately, training in how to perform peer review and incorporate constructive criticism is minimal in undergraduate science courses. Here, I describe a senior thesis course for immunology and microbiology majors that encourages students to integrate iterative peer review to improve their writing skills and their ability to incorporate feedback. In this course, students are expected to complete one of the following written projects that focuses on an immunological disorder or infectious disease: a research proposal, a case study, or a meta-analysis/systematic review. Each project is separated into six assignments, and each assignment is assessed through specifications (SPECS)-based grading and peer review where students have multiple attempts to improve their scores on each assignment. Approximately 40% of each student's grade is based on their ability to incorporate feedback from peers and instructors. Preliminary survey results suggest that students are eager to learn how to effectively incorporate peer and instructor feedback. Enhancing training in peer review will encourage students to embrace constructive criticism, which will be essential for their future careers. Initial findings indicate that students are positively engaging with the peer-review process, and the use of SPECS grading fosters a growth mindset. Continued research will further explore how this method can enhance students' confidence and skill in integrating feedback into professional scientific communication.

O O TDC NO ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS: CONTRIBUIÇÕES DESDE A FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES

The theme of this research is the use of Science Communication Texts (SDT) in Science Teaching, and it aimed at providing an overview of how SDT is being used in initial teacher’s training, as well as, identifying the purpose and contributions of SDT to teacher training, in order to answer the phenomenological question, what is this that is shown. To this end, we carried out a literature review using two sources, the Capes Journal Portal and Google Scholar. Thus, seven articles were selected and analyzed from the perspective of Textual and Discourse Analysis (TDA). Two final categories emerged from the methodological path taken: 1) The importance of teachers knowing the characteristics of SDTs and understanding them as a mediating tool and 2) Reading movements in science teaching: Appropriation, Meaning and Learning. For the construction of the meta-text, we chose the second category, which helped us to understand the teacher's choice and planning of the text to be used in the classroom, bearing in mind its purpose in teaching.

Reptiles as Experimental Models: Uncovering Their Role in Drug Development and Health Research

Experimental animal models are indispensable as they help to enhance the understanding of unknown diseases and contribute to new discoveries through their physiology, which facilitates the learning process and scientific dissemination. Consequently, the techniques applied to animal models require the development of guidelines that ensure respect for these animals and the reliability of the results obtained, in order to promote the advancement of scientific progress. With this in mind, the aim of the present study was to conduct a review on the use of reptiles as experimental models. The works were reviewed and selected based on their use of animals (reptiles) as experimental models and for having results relevant to the development of science and its various applications. In this context, analyzes that adhered to these principles were also considered, revealing that certain species of snakes, lizards, and turtles show promise for research in pharmaceuticals, the production of medicines and vaccines, as well as in seeking solutions to other problems related to animal health, for example, the study of baseline corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in rattlesnakes. Thus, we can conclude that, although these animals are not as commonly used in experimental research, reptiles hold an important position among vertebrates for investigating the progression of serious diseases, as well as for the development of vaccines and medications.

A song for Pelagibacter. Using creative improvisation as a tool for novel science communication through the Ocean Science Jam

Sharing complex oceanic research in an accessible way with the public is being identified by scientific institutions, universities, governmental departments, and NGOs as a critical intervention in promoting better engagement with the sea. Art–science collaborations play an integral role in this. Traditionally, these involve pairing artists and marine scientists to work on a project which is then presented to an audience. Increasingly however more interactive relationships with the public are being seen as a beneficial way to merge art and scientific data. The Ocean Science Jam is such a project that brings musicians, artists, dancers, performers, and the public together to respond creatively in real time to visual and audio cues based on a theme related to marine scientists’ work. By mixing creativity with science in an integrative way the Ocean Science Jam not only acts as tool for public communication but also opens new ways for scientific data to be interpreted by non-scientists. This paper will explore this initiative from design to delivery highlighting the results of facilitating with the public moments where new responses to ocean science can be created through art. It will do so by combining the reflections of the creator of the Ocean Science Jam as well as feedback from the scientists and public who have participated. It will argue for the benefits of using improvisation and artistic co-creation for developing moments of embodied oceanic exchange and connection.

Desafios e aprendizados da comunicação pública na pandemia de COVID-19: o caso de uma instituição do Estado Português

This is a qualitative case study on the communication actions of the Portuguese state expressed in initiatives of Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA, Portuguese Ministry of Health) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (from 2020 to 2022). Its exploratory research employed documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews indicates how communication practices carried out in the context of infodemic and disinfodemic addressed this scientific institution with other public instances and the civil society and advanced public communication of science guided toward dialogue and the strengthening of citizenship.