The effect of gender equality on the masculine image of physics and math in Japan and in the UK

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The effect of gender equality on the masculine image of physics and math in Japan and in the UK

Author: Hiromi Yokoyama – The University of Tokyo, Kavli IPMU, Japan

Co-authors:

  • Yuko Ikkatai – Kavli IPMU, The University of Tokyo, Japan
  • Atsushi Inoue – Nippon Institute for Research Advancement, Japan
  • Kei Kano – Shiga University, Japan
  • Euan Mckay – The University of Tokyo, United Kingdom
  • Azusa Minamizaki – Nagoya University, Japan

It is known worldwide that there are fewer women working in and studying physics and engineering than in biology and chemistry. A previous study (Cheryan et al. 2017) conducted in the US devised a model to explain the strong masculine-based image of physics and engineering compared with biology, chemistry, and mathematics using three assemblages: (1) the masculine culture of the fields of study, (2) insufficient early experience, and (3) gender gaps in self-efficacy. Each assemblage consists of several items to explain the gender discrepancy. Considering that Japan is a lower gender-equal country (114th on the Global Gender Gap index), we improved the model by adding one assemblage, (4) gender equality/attractive culture, to explain the masculine-based image of physics and mathematics in Japan.

In this study, we turned our attention to physics and mathematics. We conducted online questionnaires in Japan and in the UK to investigate several factors, including (1) to (4) related to the masculine-based image of physics and mathematics, and to identify any unique factors in Japan and the UK. The online questionnaires were designed based on this model.

We found that some items in the additional assemblage, (4) gender equality/attractive culture of physics or mathematics, were significantly related to the masculine-based image of physics or mathematics in each country: The first item was “attraction to the opposite sex,” which was significant both for physics and mathematics in the UK. In Japan, the item of “intellectual women” was significant only in mathematics. These results suggest that the added assemblage, (4) gender equality/attractive culture of physics or mathematics, partially contributed to the masculine image of physics and mathematics, both in the UK and in Japan.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Citizen Scientists in Chinese Knowledge-Sharing Networks: Reconstruction of Discourse Authority of Scientists

Author: Zheng Yang – The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

The label “Citizen Scientists” refers to citizens who initiatively take the societal responsibility originally belonging to scientists, such as producing scientific knowledge, communicating scientific knowledge, participating in scientific policy making. Previous attention to citizen scientists has mostly focused on the process of production of scientific knowledge based on citizen science projects. However, in the process of science communication, there is also a group of citizen scientists. This study investigates citizen scientists in the Chinese knowledge-sharing network Zhihu, the biggest Chinese online knowledge-sharing platform. The methods of discourse analysis and social network analysis are used in this study to analyze the behavioral and discourse characteristics of the citizen scientist group in such online knowledge-sharing network. Research findings show that more than 40% of the answers about Genetically Modified food on Zhihu with the most likes were provided by citizen scientists. And they have tried to challenge the absolute discourse authority of scientists via deconstructing this scientific topic from various perspectives, such as politics, economy, entertainment, daily experience and so on. Meanwhile, the answers provided by citizen scientists on Zhihu tend to use a series of discourse techniques to narrow the distance between themselves and the audience, which is different from the scientists’ answers which tend to establish a discourse boundary between scientists and the public as audience on Zhihu. Based on this, the discourse ecology of online science communication is no longer the one-way linear model that scientists as communicators, the public as audience, but a plural-communicator system.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Transformation

Science-edu-communication: Trends reveal in 20 years of science communication research

Author: Leon Yufeng Wu – Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan

Co-authors:

  • Chun-Yen Chang – National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
  • Hsin-Yen Lu – National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
  • Nathan M. Truong – National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
  • Yuen-Hsian Tseng – National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan

By investigating scholarly output in science communication from 1997 to 2018, this research sought evidence that science education has been increasingly focusing on communication methods to reach the public, while it has increasingly emphasized the learning effects in informal approaches for learners rather than formal school settings. Through an automatic scientometric method, namely, Content Analysis Toolkit for Academic Research (CATAR), this study analyzed 1300 articles published in two leading journals in the field of science communication, Science Communication and Public Understanding of Science. As a result, seven trends were revealed and categorized into three themes: Public engagement with science (PES); Media and science (MS); and Issues in science (IS). Furthermore, PES and MS scholarly output were found increased significantly. The findings confirmed the goal of this research. It was confirmed in this research that scholarly output of science communication has trended toward a sharing goal of science education: promoting public understanding of science via ways of public engagement of science and media representation of science. However, it then suggested a research area of bridging science education and science communication that is currently less explored. Given increased focus towards PES and MS, these fields are primed for further collaboration to more engage the public in science learning.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Time

Re-envisaging the visual communication of science

Author: Matthew Wood – University of Tsukuba, Japan

Co-authors:

  • Yin Chung Au – National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
  • Wiebke Finkler – University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Bruno Pinto – University of Lisbon, Portugal

Diagrams, charts, illustrations, and photographs have long been at the heart of communicating science, and with visuals and graphics becoming easier to produce and disseminate in the digital age, we can only expect them to play an ever-increasing role in science communication. This is a welcome trend for those who acknowledge the communication potential of visual modes, but to what extent do we really understand the impacts of graphics, illustrations, diagrams, photographs, and video, or how they should be employed to best effect in our field? While there is a lot that is relevant and insightful to be learned from the study of visual modes in other disciplines, this ‘imported’ knowledge base is not always applicable for the specific needs and characteristics of science communication and often fails to address important concerns for science communicators. For example literature on the educational impact of diagrams that does not consider engagement value, or literature on persuasive visuals that disregards the need for accuracy or explanation. Furthermore, science visuals perform unique roles (e.g. ‘icons’ of science literacy) that can only be studied within a science communication context.

This session will offer diverse perspectives on the use of visual modes for communicating science to argue for a transformation in the way we perceive and understand visual communication within the specific context of science communication. Speakers will discuss the epistemic function (explanatory or persuasive) of visuals in different contexts; affective and attitudinal impacts of diagram design; the development of a visual rhetoric for science communication; the motivational and educational roles of science comics; and the significance of these topics for science communication practice.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Roundtable discussion
Theme: Transformation

Transforming cultures: What can science communicators take from gender equality schemes such as Athena SWAN?

Author: Clare Wilkinson – Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol, United Kingdom

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research in the UK. In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. The paper will discuss how culture change initiatives like Athena SWAN can seek to mobilise change amongst university departments and practices, as well as some of the potential difficulties of such opportunities. It will also outline the aspects of such schemes that might be relevant to the science communication community, and those which are not.

The presentation will include data from a 2019 survey carried out with academic staff, students, technical and professional staff at UWE Bristol. This survey completed by 74% (n=111) of department staff included responses to questions on departmental culture, support for career progression, and equality and inclusivity, as well as a range of other topics. An infographic will be provided to support explanation of key results. The insight paper will encourage participants to reflect on their own role in gender equality, as well as the theoretical and practical implications of such agendas. It will also provide advice on how to engage students and colleagues in culture change initiatives, which are seeking to address a range of intersectional issues.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Time

More than a play: Exploring engagements with science theatre

Author: Emma Weitkamp – UWE, United Kingdom

Co-authors:

  • Carla Almeida – Museum of Life, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil
  • Sergio De Regules – ¿Cómoves? Magazine, Dirección General de Divulgación de la Ciencia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Mexico
  • Frank Kupper – Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Hien Tran Minh – Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam

Recent years have seen a burst of interest in theatre that engages with science themes, whether that is widely regarded plays such as Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen performed in national theatre venues, or bespoke performances addressing topics of community interest in venues ranging from science museums and festivals to schools. The assumption underlying much of this interest is that theatre will engage the hearts and minds with science in a way that factual representations cannot. Thus, theatre is seen as offering an opportunity to reach out to audiences who might not otherwise take an interest in scientific issues. This roundtable discussion seeks to engage critically with the diversity of science themed theatre, whether that is diversity in the ways in which such performances arise and the theatrical styles they adopt, the different spaces they occupy and what we know about the publics they attract and their impact. In this sense, it will bring different perspectives on the theme, coming from both practice and research experiences, from different parts of the globe. It will critically consider the ways in which science theatre engages publics in debates about inclusion and diversity in science and raises cultural and science capital; it will explore community engagement in health through drama in low-income contexts; the contribution of participatory theatre to public dialogue and the extent to which it contributes to the democractising of science and technology; and the concept of translation will be considered in the context of science theatre. Ultimately, the intention of the panel is to present and analyse a spectrum of approaches, audiences and levels of participation – from professional shows to community-led, participatory theatre that aims for deep, reflective engagement – and to stimulate discussion around when and how these approaches can be used to achieve engagement aims.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Roundtable discussion
Theme: Time

#finaltrashtination

Author: Franzisca Weder – University of Queensland, School of Communication and Arts, Australia

In this presentation, my current ecoculture jam #finaltrashtination is presented as higher education assignment and intervention in science communication that carry the potential to provide learners with the tools to use communication frameworks and acts not only to critique the abovementioned status quo but also to collaboratively generate transformation (Milstein & Pulos, 2015, p. 395; Woodside, 2001; Nome, 20012; Dery, 1999). Such acts of jamming dominant environmentally destructive ways of being integrate a variety of interesting communication strategies to engage the public in raising awareness about environmental problems, as well as solutions, using creative means to “create cracks in underlying systems of power, and to promote unsettling moments of reflection and debate” (Milstein & Pulos, 2015, p. 397; de Certau, 1988). The ecoculture jam presented with a short film took place at a European University, where the University’s 2-week-plastic waste was unfurled in front of the University’s main entrance and then built into walls in the front hall. People entering the University were asked to take some waste and help to “build the wall”, additionally conversations were stimulated. Herewith, the ecoculture jam stimulated a “crack” in existing patterns of behavior and consumption as well as reflections of (un)sustainable behavior.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Transformation

Sustainability as Cognitive Friction: A narrative approach to understand moral dissonance of sustainability and harmonization strategies

Author: Franzisca Weder – University of Queensland, School of Communication and Arts, Australia

Co-authors:

  • Stella Lemke – Lübeck University, Germany
  • Amornpan Tungarat – Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt, Austria

In increasingly global hyperconsumption cultures, sustainability is not only a wicked problem (Weder et al., 2019; Davis et al., 2018; Murphy, 2012) but also a welcome vehicle for corporations to communicate about the advantages of products and services, often in misleading (Cox, 2013, p. 289) and “greenwashing” ways (Elving et al., 2015). As well, in news reporting, sustainability is increasingly used as master frame, buzzword, or catchphrase (Weder et al., 2019) without explanation, direction, context of sustainability as transformation or, therefore, impact on individual behaviour.

Narratives represent storied ways of knowing and communicating, thus, have always been a key feature in media and communication research. In our contribution, a new version of a narrative inquiry is introduced to capture reflections on experiences of sustainability as well as individual assessments of (un)sustainable behavior over time. We perceive storytelling as an action, as act of problematization which uncovers cognitive dissonances that appear on an individual level dealing with sustainability as process of societal transformtion and related communication. Using Rory’s Story Cubes® (dice with pictograms), we stimulated 35 interviewees from various cultural backgrounds (Asian, European, Anglo-American) to “story” and tell sustainability related life events into order and meaning. Our evaluation of the interviews focused on the story as a whole, which was then linked to the individual biographical background to understand motives for and moral conflicts about (un)sustainable behavior. As well, it was possible to trace back the origin of the dissonances in the abovementioned lack of information and ‘overmoralization’ of sustainability in news reporting and marketing communication.

In this paper, we want to put the innovative form of a narrative inquiry up for discussion for scinece communication research in better understanding individual perceptions of sustainability and cognitive friction occurring in relation to sustainability related issues.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

From Food to Politics: Representations of genetically modified organisms in cartoons on the Internet in China

Author: Guoyan Wang – Soochow University, China

Co-authors:

  • Lingfei Wang – University of Science and Technology of China, China

Problems around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are becoming increasingly acute in China. To better understand the situation, 257 GMO cartoons were collected from various Chinese online sources. The comics collected were mainly published between 2013″“2017. Image coding was completed independently by five, well-trained graduate students, according to the following variables: figures in the pictures，story context，GMO carrier, scary information attitude to GMOs, source of comics, and theme. The validity test result showed that the coders”overall coding consistency reached 92.8%.

From the perspective of content, it was found that 84.5% of the cartoons involve genetically modified (GM) food, mainly plant-based food, and 62.9% of the cartoons present food consumption environments. “To eat or not to eat GMOs” is an issue of common concern in China.

The Chinese media and the public are demonstrating increasing skepticism of and opposition to GMOs. Only 15% of the total samples of comics show GMOs in a positive light, and, while the mainstream media are fairly neutral, social media tends to present more hostile views. In terms of theme, mainstream media tend to present the dilemma in choice but also promote GMOs, while social media posts mostly focus on the themes of health risks and conspiracy theories.

The tendency to politicize GMOs has been vividly depicted in many Chinese GMO comics. Controversial topics such as the “golden rice” incident and the return of GM maize in the United States have provided space for political conspiracy theories to spread. Scientists supporting GMOs have been criticized by the public under suspicion of betraying their country. The issue of GM food in China, therefore, reflects strong political problems.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Technology

Make it relevant? Engage emotionally?: Motivating publics in a science communication experience

Author: Graham Walker – CPAS, Australian National University, Australia

Science communicators often stress the need to make messages ‘relevant’, or engage with people on an ‘emotional level’, but what do these terms mean, and if communication has these qualities from publics’ perspectives, what effect does it have? Understanding this at the individual level underpins transforming science-society relationships.

Relevance is critical to impactful communication, however specific in-depth research on relevance is limited in science communication, except in the science-policy space (e.g. Cash et al., 2003). Recent research in educational psychology conceptualising relevance as a continuum from personal association, to personal usefulness, to identification (Priniski et al., 2018) or as the connection between content and identity (Hartwell & Kaplan, 2018) – this latter model validated in a biology context – may be helpful for science communicators. Similarly, emotions are central to effective science communication (Davies & Horst, 2016), however as a field we are only beginning to rigorously investigate which emotions are critical and in which contexts (e.g. Yeo, Sun, McKasy, & Shugart, 2019).

This paper shares research on the relationship between relevance and emotion (curiosity, surprise, interest and enjoyment) and resulting motivation during a science communication event. The research quantitively measured these variables during a series of youth-focussed science presentations (n=342), then modelled relationships with the aim of establishing which factors were associated with motivating audiences and transforming their intended behaviour. Relevance was critical, and emotions including surprise and curiosity had significant effects, though others did not. The findings suggest specific areas for science communicators to focus on if their primary aim is to motivate.

As science communication moves towards participatory models with greater involvement of publics, understanding better how people judge relevance in science and its communication, and the role of emotional reactions, are key areas to explore if our work is to transform individuals and societies.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Time

Growing science communication in developing regions

Author: Graham Walker – CPAS, Australian National University, Australia
Co-authors:

  • Bhamini Kamudu – Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, Mauritius
  • Kenneth Monjero – KALRO Science Centre Kenya, Kenya

We often ask what, but here we ask where is the future of science communication? One third of the world’s population is predicted to be living in Africa by 2050, however, with respect to science centres, as a whole Africa is being left behind. This session shares research on science communication capacity building in Africa, along with developing a theoretical base for such by synthesising models from development studies with those from science communication.

15 participants from Southern and East Africa (a small but representative sample given the sector’s size) in a science communication capacity building program focussed on science centres and outreach were investigated using traditional needs-based and contemporary asset-based development conceptualisations. These development theories parallel deficit and participatory approaches, respectively, within science communication and demonstrate synergies between the fields. Along with theoretical common ground, science communication plays a key role in the practicalities of development including progressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals – in this way science communication needs to be part of creating a sustainable future.

Data showed staffing, funding, governments, host institutions, and audiences are prominent needs and assets, networks are a major asset, and identified other influential factors. Analysis suggests a model for growth involving coordination on three-levels: (1) individual ‘pioneers’, (2) host institutions such as universities, cultural museums and research organisations, and (3) government policy and associated departmental capacity.

Case-studies showing this model in action from Africa and the Pacific Islands will be shared, along with discussion of how developed countries and established science communicators can play a constructive role – a practical outcome from the session will be connecting PCST delegates who are interested in capacity building with suitable programs and partners in Africa and/or the Pacific.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Time

Trust in science and expertise during the COVID-19 crisis in Finland

Author: Esa Väliverronen – University of Helsinki. Finland

The presentation is based on two kinds of data. First, we have made three consecutive representative surveys (from April 2020) of Finnish adult population (information sources, trust and perceptions of expertise). Fourth survey will be made in April 2021. Secondly, we have gathered extensive social media data, mainly from Twitter and discussion platforms. Our focus is on the public contestation of science and expertise on from the beginning of the epidemic.

In the end of February 2021, there were a total of 742 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Finland, and the number of reported cases was 56 407. Thus, so far, Finland has managed the epidemic fairly well, similarly to other Nordic countries, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, and much better than Sweden, which adopted a different strategy related to COVID-19. High trust in institutions is often presented as one the main reasons for the success in mitigating the pandemic.

However, despite the relative success, Finnish health authorities — represented by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland (THL) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health issues (STM) in Finland — have been often questioned in public discourse during the epidemic.

The first results of the surveys reveal that despite of the criticism, the general trust on THL as well as other scientific institutions and experts remained high since Spring 2020. However, there are some interesting differences on the level of trust and perceptions of expertise, based on age, gender, level of education, and particularly, on political orientation.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Transformation

Science and expertise under fire: The emerging threat of censorship

Author: Esa Väliverronen – University of Helsinki, Finland

Co-authors:

  • Sampsa Saikkonen – University of Helsinki, Finland

Restrictions to the freedom of science and the public expression of researchers have become more prominent around the world in the last decade. In this presentation, we will analyse the academic freedom and freedom of expression of researchers in the context of authoritarian populism. Our focus is particularly on the increasing online hate, aggressive feedback and the politically motivated disparagement of science and expertise .

With recent international examples of the suppression of research as well as the silencing of scientists as public experts, we aim to provide an analytical framework to gain an understanding of the suppression of scientists in these turbulent times.

Our particular focus is in Finland. The presentation is based on three web surveys conducted among Finnish researchers in 2015, 2017 and 2019. We will focus on answers on the open-ended questions in these surveys, where respondents reflect upon issues of freedom of expression and the feedback they receive in public arenas.

Building on previous research on academic freedom, ‘research silencing’ and the ‘chilling effect’, we discuss the connection between freedom of expression and academic freedom. We make a distinction between four forms of hidden censorship: political and economic control, organizational control, control between rival academics and control from below, e.g. from ordinary citizens. Moreover, we make explicit and discuss the means, motives and practices of hidden censorship within each of these four forms.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Transformation

University engagement in the Covid-19 Pandemic: The experience of the Communication Office for Outreach and Culture of the University of Campinas in Brazil

Author: Gabriela Villen – Unicamp, Brazil

Co-authors:

  • Rossilho Marilisa – University of Campinas, Brazil

Based on the experience of the Communication Office for Outreach and Culture of the University of Campinas, in Brazil, this paper analyzes the dimensions of the university’s engagement with society since the Covid-19 outbreaking. Almost every research group, laboratory, and school turned towards helping society to cope with the crises. Everywhere, interdisciplinary initiatives were brought together to understand the virus and all the economic and social problems taking place and to come. The Communication Office for Outreach and Culture had a key role in giving visibility to those initiatives, as much as in helping them be carried on virtually. A video report series tried to bring some of those actions to the public. Our cultural branch has also been called on stage. Society needed art and culture. As much as artists were willing to express themselves. Visual arts exhibitions, cultural workshops, and art festivals were produced 100% online. Our social media accounts also had to produce special content and seek specific language to spread the content successfully in each media. This insight talk may contribute to other communicators facing the same challenges, as well as for mapping outreach experiences and enhancing the university’s actuation in a pandemic context.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Training for the future: Teaching science communication and new media

Author: Samantha Vilkins – Australian National University, Australia

Co-authors:

  • Dominique Brossard – University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
  • Sarah Mojarad – University of Southern California, United States
  • Erinma Ochu – The University of Reading, United Kingdom
  • Kim Trollip – Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, South Africa

How do we train new science communicators to work in a rapidly shifting digital landscape?

Scientists and science communicators are increasingly reliant on social and new media in their work, which presents both benefits and challenges for engaging with others.

While success stories can be easy to see, designing an environment where each student comes away with experience and enthusiasm is difficult when starting up against big publishers, paid sponsorships, and algorithmic content controls. Such issues also compound differently across the globe. Technological advances and digital freedoms vary dramatically from country to country, and data privacy initiatives such as in the EU show the difficulty of standardisation across digital and political borders. Our teaching, too, may not translate as universally as we assume.

How can we best prepare new science communicators? Can we embed optimism and ethical perspectives when working in such spaces — now, and into the future?

This panel brings together international experience in teaching, research and practice in new media to speak on broad issues across learning foundational digital skills, building trust online, and how communities engage and disengage under changing technological regulations and restrictions.

The panel is chaired by Samantha Vilkins, lecturer for the undergraduate and postgraduate course Science Communication and the Web at the Australian National University. She is joined by Professor and Chair of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Dominique Brossard, Professor Sarah Mojarad from the University of Southern California, Digital Society Fellow at The University of Reading Dr Erinma Ochu, and Kim Trollip of the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa.

Join us as we discuss not only what skills are required today, but how we can prepare students to think big with future media, and how our training needs to adapt.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Roundtable discussion
Theme: Technology

Public perception of climate risks: Following Web communication trails during urban floods

Author: Rosa Vicari – HM&Co Lab / École des Ponts ParisTech. France

Co-authors:

  • Daniel Schertzer – HM&Co Lab / École des Ponts ParisTech France
  • Ioulia Tchiguirinskaia – HM&Co Lab / École des Ponts ParisTech France

When climate hazards affect a city, environmental and physical impacts can be detected during and after these events. Similarly, social consequences of climate extremes, such as the public perception of climate change, can be observed. In the era of the interactive use of the Internet, huge numbers of Web data are spontaneously produced by the population during an extreme weather event. These “digital trails” can provide insight into the interactions existing between climate-related risks and the public attitudes towards these risks. According to this research, recent advances in computer-aided exploration of Web communications can be exploited to monitor these interactions, and contribute to the research on communities’ climate resilience.

The authors led a range experiments that show how digital research can be employed to identify key issues covered by digital media during a major flood, identify potential gatekeepers who can influence the debate, and describe how these actors and topics form debate clusters. Three corpora of Web communication data were extracted: press articles and tweets on the 2016 Seine River flood, and press articles covering the 2015 Alpes-Maritimes flood.

Through this analysis we detected topics and actors that characterise each press dataset, as well as frequent co-occurrences and clusters of topics and actors. Profiling of social media users gave us insights into who could influence opinions on Twitter. Through a comparison of the three datasets, it was also possible to observe how some patterns change over time, in different urban areas, and in different media contexts.

The results of this study are presented in R. Vicari, I. Tchiguirinskaia, D. Schertzer, B. Tisserand, Climate risks, digital media, and big data: following communication trails to investigate urban communities’ resilience, Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences Journal, doi.org/10.5194/nhess-19-1485-2019. This research was supported by the Chair Hydrology for Resilient Cities (endowed by Veolia).

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Technology

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