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ESF meeting sets cornerstone for science communication

Scientists are not generally regarded as good communicators when it comes to explaining their research to the outside world. Hence the European Science Foundation (ESF) decided to hold a communications network meeting this week in Strasbourg, France to facilitate a forum for communication practitioners from various European science organisations and academies to discuss their challenges and ideas.

“I believe this meeting has created a cornerstone for the future interaction among the communication experts from the ESF’s 75 Member Organisations,” said Claus Nowotny, Communications Director of the ESF. “This network could potentially improve the way how scientists express their ideas to a wider audience.”

The meeting, which took place on 18-19 October, 2007 was attended by the ESF’s Member Organisations representatives from 18 countries.   

A recent study entitled ‘Factors affecting science communication’  which is conducted by the UK’s Royal Society  shows that, in the case of British universities, a 'research driven' culture, the pressure to publish research, to attract funding to their departments and build career on 'hard research' are key barriers to scientists communicating their work with the public. Some scientists even went as far as describing public engagement work, such as debates, dialogues, exhibitions and media appearances, as being bad for their careers as some reasoned that these activities are ‘done by those who were not good enough' for an academic career. That it was 'light' or 'fluffy' and risked reinforcing negative stereotypes for women involved in these activities".

A range of communication tools and issues were discussed during the two-day meeting -- Neville Hobson, one of the leading European early adopters and influencers in social media communication for business, reviewed and explained how communication experts could take advantage of the current wave of Social Media tools such as blogs, virtual committees...etc.  Fredrik Wackå from W PR & Information AB explained further what is required for effective Web Communications. Dr Volker Wendt, Director, Burson-Marsteller in Brussels shared his expertise on lobbying to the policy makers.    

At a round table discussion session participants expressed some major challenges that befall on them while working as a bridge between the scientists and their audiences.  Some of the issues that have been raised include:

* Researchers do not know how to express their ideas to politicians
* To convince scientists of the benefits of communicating what they do
* To raise national government’s priorities on science
* To convince the media to write about a wider range of science topics
* To Increase public interest in science and the desire from the young generation to study science

All participants have echoed an underlined challenge – which is to convince scientists to effectively communicate their work to the public.

“People are still looking for other people to do their selection (on what to read) so the media is needed.” said John Travis, European Editor of the Science magazine, who gave the presentation The Science Media – Friend or Foe? “There is so much information out there but with so little time scientists still need us to help them to be informed on other science research.” Travis also  said he believes the media can help raise awareness for science issues which can in turn generate funding for the scientists.  

By the end of the meeting all the MOs’ participants have agreed to participate in a few pilot projects; a way to cement a long-term working relationship.

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Media contact:

Mr. Thomas LauE-Mail