Empowering scientists to connect with the public
Many scientists want to connect with the public, but their efforts to do so are not always easily achieved or effective. Some programmes and institutions are leading the way in identifying the support needed to enable scientists’ connections with the public. However, the current appetite by – and demand for – scientists to do this exceeds the capacity of those who facilitate quality communication and engagement efforts. Moreover, institutional barriers often inhibit scientists’ efforts to communicate and engage.
This session aims to discuss strategies for empowering scientists in the dialogue with society, taking examples from different countries and contexts. Three presenters will share experiences from different perspectives: an alliance of US foundations, a Brazilian research institution and an Italian science museum.
Facilitator
Senior Manager for Audience Research and Insight
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Session speakers
Resarcher and science communicator
National Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology
Luisa Massarani is coordinator of the National Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology in Brazil and is advising the Presidency of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in the design of the initiatives aiming at empowering scientists to connect with the publics. In this session, she will discuss the reasoning and strategies behind the programme in Brazil, which includes: a call for supporting projects in PE; a hackathon; an on line course; media training.
Director of Education and of the Centre of Research in Informal Learning
The Education Department of the the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci develops a Public Engagement programme aiming to train researchers in communication. Maria Xanthoudaki, Director of Education and of the centre for research in informal education, will present the most recent workshop with the researchers of the Italian National Research Council.
Director of Public Engagement with Science
Los Angeles
United States
The Kavli, Rita Allen, Packard and Moore Foundations convened a workshop series in the US to view the entire system of people who support scientists’ engagement and communication efforts in order to explore how this system can be most effective and sustainable. Brooke Smith will share what was learned about where the system is thriving, and what we might do to strengthen the system, so that scientists have the support they desire and need to learn and practice effective communication and engagement activities.
