Public communication and social appropriation of science in Mexico

You are here: / 2021 PCST Conference (virtual)

Public communication and social appropriation of science in Mexico

Author: Patricia Magana – School of Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico

Co-authors:

  • Patricia Magana – Physics Department, School of Sciencies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico

Scientific research and public communication of science and technology (PCST) in Mexico have been historically supported with public resources and governmentally regulated through the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt).

Until 2018, Conacyt defined the social appropriation of science and technology (SAST) as “those processes carried out by users [non-scientific communities] through the exploitation, adoption and informed, or even creative, use of scientific, technological and innovation knowledge and objects”. This was differentiated from PCST, defined as all the activities and processes performed by public science communicators.

Under guidance of the current Mexican government these definitions were modified by Conacyt, equating SAST activities to PCST activities. The administration also changed the ideals and guidelines of the scientific endeavor of scientific institutions by giving more importance to the so-called “social use” of science. This had consequences for the entire scientific community, including PCST practitioners: such as changes to the application calls for funding projects and introducing SAST as a quantitative or qualitative evaluation tool. However, two years after this change it is still not clear if the PCST activities will be assessed by the SAST results alone. The aforementioned changes have led to conflicts between the government and professional science communicators.

This presentation tries to assess this issue and give new perspectives on it by reviewing how SAST and PCST are conducted in other countries and funding systems. It also seeks to point out and clarify the differences between the PCST and the SAST, a definition exercise that could help to reach a consensus between the administration and practitioners. Furthermore, it examines different approaches in fulfilling the new requirements for funding applications in order to continue PCST activities.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Time

Ouroboros: Science, art and inclusion

Author: Karina Lupetti – Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil

Co-authors:

  • Andre de Moura – UFSCar, Brazil

The mission of the Ouroboros Nucleus of Science Communication since 2005 is to perform cutting-edge research on the interplay between scientific communication and arts, as well as using the outcomes of the research to benefit the general public. This visual presentation is aimed at providing examples of how different Ouroboros projects have had a central role for 15 years now as a life-transforming driver for people engaging in these activities. Participants are led to communicate science in inclusive approaches by means of theatrical plays, musical performances and illustrations. On the one hand, protagonists are improving their personal skills in humanized projects that allow the management by competences, while on the other the limitations of each participant is always taken into account, since most of them are either visually impaired or have reduced mobility. Projects also include undergraduate and graduate students as well as professor from UFSCar, leading to a rich and diverse range of skills, training and worldview, rendering the creative process of each cultural product intrinsically dynamic and covering a wide range reflections about science and its importance to society.
Our practice with the public communication of science along these years has posed the challenge that empathy towards the participants from several different social backgrounds, especially those with physical disabilities, and the respect for their social demands should always be developed. The respect for the social diversity of the group over the years should be viewed as having a central role in defining how science and the many cultural manifestations are blended together and presented in plays, musical performances and other cultural meetings, always promoting different levels and types of discussion, fostering curiosity about science and scientists. In conclusion, these social technologies provided unexpected transformative paths, allowing people to be relocated in society.

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

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Transformation

Science versus alternative “facts”: Rolling the GMO debate

Author: Ivan Lukanda – Makerere University, Uganda

The debate on using genetically modified organisms/ food (GMO/Fs) to feed the growing world population has been taking a prime position in resonance to the mounting challenge of climate change. On the menu of concern are issues of a scientific, economic, political and social nature, amidst foreign influence energised by internet-dependent information sources. These issues may facilitate, derail or cause the complete rejection of GMOs in a country. Yet models linking these issues in a national and/or perhaps a global context are rare, an objective the current study attempts to achieve. Using content analysis of stories published in two Ugandan newspapers, a face-to-face survey with the public, and in-depth interviews with scientists, politicians, journalists and civil society, the study demonstrates how the different actors position themselves in rolling the debate on this contested science supported and opposed at the same time to create a ‘global controversy’. The issues from the content analysis and the face-to-face survey were analysed using statistical Stata and the issues from in-depth interviews were coded using Atlas.ti software. The synthesis of issues births an economic-media chain model to explain the multifaceted nature of GMO science. A graphic illustration of how this proposed model can help the public understand the debate on GMOs will presented.

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

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Technology

Cambridge Shorts: Turning excellent research into engaging films

Author: Alina Loth – Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science, Germany

Co-authors:

  • Diogo Gomes – University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

We present a selection of short research films from the most recent Cambridge Shorts competition and critically discuss the assessment of their potential for public engagement. Cambridge Shorts brings together early career university researchers and creative filmmakers to visualise research processes and outputs through the medium of high-quality short films. In an increasingly digitised and networked environment, short films can capture a viewer’s imagination and curiosity, and present an ideal entry point to the communication of cutting-edge research to wide audiences. After a competitive application process, researchers are supported in drafting innovative, accessible and engaging research stories in a guided co-production process. Filmmakers are recruited through open calls, film festivals (including Watersprite, the student film festival), and Film Studies Departments. The co-production experience of the short films pushes beyond traditional filmmaking to enable a dynamic process with high quality, creative, and innovative outputs. Networking sessions between filmmakers and researchers throughout the project period enabled a creative exchange, which resulted in accessible and engaging stories via cinematic media. Interacting with filmmakers and artists allows researchers to develop visuals and narratives that transform the traditional research story. At the same time, it improves research communication skills and builds researcher confidence. In turn, filmmakers learn to visualise complex processes, mechanisms and outcomes in a short, visually compelling product. The process enables a profound understanding of creative and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The resulting films have been recognised nationally and internationally: Pain in the Machine received online media coverage and won the AHRC Best Research Film of the Year Award, Morphogenesis was discussed in a Nature Plants article, and Dish life was awarded third place in the Raw Science Film Festival 2016. After Cambridge Shorts, several of the teams have continued to collaborate in subsequent film projects.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Cambridge VERY short

Author: Alina Loth – Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science, Germany

Co-authors:

  • Diogo Gomes – University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

In our digital world, communication becomes increasingly more fast-paced. Visuals are often key in drawing attention and conveying information to new and wider audiences. Animated gifs are a relatively new technology that links the gap between stationary images and video formats. Gifs are used through a variety of digital channels (e.g. social media, blog posts, websites, news stories) as well as integrated in more traditional engagement methods (e.g. talks, poster presentations, exhibitions, festivals). This gives them great potential as a tool for research communication and engagement. The short format forces storytelling to the extreme of often one repeated movement while allowing for endless creative styles and interpretations. This makes animated gifs a very flexible visual tool suitable for almost any audience. During the visual presentation format of the conference, we would like to present the animated research gifs co-created between University of Cambridge researchers and visual artists. While each gif has its very own story and style, they all play with the limitation of time and complex content. The gifs are the result of a facilitated creative exchange where researchers and creative professionals develop visual ideas and build up partnerships. Established teams continued working together over the course of several weeks. The finished animations are presented as part of the Cambridge Science festival, in social media campaigns, talks, as well as in print through flipbooks and picture galleries.

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

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Time

Youth in museum-led Citizen Science – participation in scientific research, science education or public engagement?

Author: Julia Lorke – The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom

Co-authors:

  • Heidi L. Ballard – University of California, Davis, United States
  • Maryam Ghadiri Khanaposhtani – University of California, Davis, United States

The concept of citizen and community science (CCS) has been attributed with the potential to democratise science, enabling everyone to take part in scientific research – embodying the participatory turn in the relationship of science and society. To examine the reality of CCS, we investigate youth participation in BioBlitzes led by three Natural History Museums. BioBlitzes are contributory CCS events which organise volunteers to record all species of organisms in a bounded space. How do young people actually participate (Lave, 1991) in BioBlitzes; do they contribute data to scientific research or is their participation more similar to science education or public engagement programmes?

We observed 96 young people in 16 BioBlitzes. The iterative analysis of our ethnographic fieldnotes revealed that in 83% of the observations, youth engaged in scientific practices (NRC Framework, 2012) with respect to the CCS activities. We saw some young people participate in all the necessary steps to generate a biological record. However, participation in exploration (49%) and observing (51%) was more common than in identifying organisms (28%) and documenting findings (15%). Participation in recording was especially rare (10%). This low frequency of recording is alarming as this is the crucial step in data collection for CCS. If the data is not recorded, it cannot be used for scientific research or monitoring; therefore, we argue that recording distinguishes authentic CCS participation from other types of science education and public engagement. Participation in these may be very impactful, but in the case of young people in BioBlitzes, CCS is not living up to the claim of enabling everyone to take part in scientific research.

To address this issue, we have embarked on a design-based research process allowing us to develop and test design features aiming to increase young people’s recording at BioBlitzes, and thereby their participation in authentic scientific research.

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

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Transformation

Lab Enigmas: Immersive games to communicate science

Author: Marí­a Eugenia Lopez – Centro Cultural de la Ciencia, Argentina

Co-authors:

  • Leonardo Svarc – Centro Cultural de la Ciencia, Argentina

In developing a dialogue around science topics, research has shown that citizens need a safe space in which to have meaningful conversations. We know that positive learning environments can be created through games because they facilitate social interaction and generate motivation through engagement and reward, while allowing participants to make mistakes.

Taking this into account we created Lab Enigmas, an immersive game in an escape room format, where participants use scientific practices and reasoning to solve puzzles. In this insight talk, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of employing this format in a science center such as the “Cultural Center for Science” located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Our specific aims were to (a) attract young and adult audiences, (b) foster a taste and interest in science, (c) communicate science as a collective adventure, and (d) get participants in touch with scientific practices and reasoning. The visitors’ reception was positive, we managed to attract adolescent and adult public and we were able to verify, through a survey, that our communication goals were met successfully. Lab Enigmas was implemented for more than one year and the events were always sold to capacity. Players discovered patterns, communicated their findings, changed their opinion when evidence was shown, and found creative solutions while having fun. Most importantly, participants demonstrated an understanding of science as a collaborative endeavor and developed positive attitudes towards scientific reasoning.

After Lab Enigmas was launched, we were approached by other institutions who wanted to build their own immersive experience with similar goals. We moved forward developing another game, this time with forensic theme, and we are currently running pre- and post-tests to study public perception of science. Ultimately, we feel the effective communication of science through the transformation of a popular form of entertainment is a model that should be replicated.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Co-creation of Stories in Sound – Aotearoa New Zealand

Author: Nancy Longnecker – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand

Co-authors:

  • Alison Ballance – Radio New Zealand New Zealand
  • Andrea Liberatore – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Sarah Manktelow – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Jim Metzner – Pulse of the Planet, United States
  • Karthic SS – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand

Soundscapes are the soundtrack of our lives, enhancing the human journey by enabling deep feelings and engagement with the world around us. As our world experiences the extraordinary changes of a warming climate, its soundscapes will undoubtedly change as well. This project is creating a snapshot of sounds of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020. The project involves co-creation, with collaboration of public participants, academics, people working in the New Zealand acoustics community, community radio and a Fulbright Specialist with a global audience of podcast listeners.

Stories in Sound encourages people to appreciate and interact with their environment by sharing stories of their local soundscapes, with attention to how those soundscapes have or will change over time. These soundscapes and their associated stories are being shared with a global audience through social media and Pulse of the Planet radio series and podcast and locally through community radio. We hope that the project’s outputs of stories about iconic New Zealand sounds and soundscapes will inspire people to value our environments. The project empowers and supports a storytelling community of practice made up of diverse members of the public as well as professional story-tellers.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Technology

Aotearoa New Zealand – Moving to participatory science and bicultural knowledge communication

Author: Nancy Longnecker – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand

Co-authors:

  • Jean Fleming – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Daniel Hikuroa – Department of Maori Studies, University of Auckland, New Zealand
  • Nancy Longnecker – Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Rhian Salmon – Centre for Science in Society, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

A pictorial overview is provided of development of science communication in Aotearoa New Zealand from our chapter in the 2020 book, The emergence of modern science communication, edited by T. Gascoigne. We explore aspects of the science communication ecosystem in NZ, as well as drivers behind a shift towards more participatory science and science communication. New Zealanders have a strong history of acting firmly and independently, as demonstrated by the banning of nuclear-powered or armed ships in 1984 despite the country’s strong alliance with the US. Aotearoa New Zealand’s strong kaitiaki (guardianship) ethic, especially amongst Maori, but also amongst non-Maori New Zealanders, has empowered environmental activism. For example, the successful Save Manapouri Campaign ran from 1969 to 1972; not only did it prevent the raising of the level of Lake Manapouri for construction of the Manapouri Power Project, it also influenced the results of a federal election.

One particular aspect of interest is how NZ has moved to accept the value of indigenous knowledge ahead of other countries. Recent decades have seen a significant shift in the way in which indigenous knowledge, knowledge systems, and engagement processes are respected and incorporated into nationwide funding, research practice and public engagement., NZ has aVision Matauranga policy which recognises the potential of matauranga (Maori knowledge, culture, values and world view) and its value to current research projects.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment holds that Vision Matauranga ‘unlocks the science and innovation potential of Maori knowledge, resources and people’ (MBIE, 2018). Matauranga and new dialogic approaches have complemented and added depth to established practices in science communication such as conferences, science festivals and social media. Maori have taken science communication in Aotearoa NZ in new directions, with an increasing emphasis on the inherent values of the science being communicated.

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

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Time

Speaking science in 90 seconds

Author: Joana Lobo Antunes РInstituto Superior T̩cnico, Universidade de Lisboa and Faculdade de Ci̻ncias Sociais e Humanas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Co-authors:

  • Paulo Castanheiro – FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
  • Adriano Cerqueira – ITQB and FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
  • Antí³nio Granado – FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
  • Paulo Nuno Vicente – FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

In Portugal, we have very few opportunities to put science in the media, especially in television and radio. A 2011 study stated that only 0.8% of television news pieces in the four Portuguese public TV channels were about science and technology. On the other hand, we have a growing scientific community since the 90’s, growing in people, productivity and quality.

In 2016, our team from Universidade Nova de Lisboa decided to produce a science daily show for national radio, featuring a new scientist each day, just 90 seconds long, running in afternoon prime time and repeating in the morning of the next day. Although this is a common format elsewhere, in Portugal it was the first show of its kind and it has now a longevity of over 3 years with daily programs, having so far put on air more than 700 scientists, with gender, geographic and scientific area balance.

The program “90 seconds of science” was born in Academia to serve the national purpose to inform the public about the knowledge being produced by Portuguese scientists. We have been able to be one of the top shows in the national radio, become a very important empowering tool for scientists and also giving most of them a first experience with the media, and at the same time making a portrait of our scientific community of these times. We have been able to gather two sponsors that have made us financially stable, and we have been awarded Acesso Cultura prize, for making science more accessible to audiences (2018), and Gulbenkian Prize, for bringing knowledge to society (2019). The program has been a tool for transforming academia and its relationship with society in Portugal, and we will discuss on ways to capitalize this potential.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Science news – Using an eye-tracker to assess the relevance of information sources

Author: Luí­s Amorim – Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil

Co-author: Luisa Massarani – Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil

To advocate that social media today is of utmost importance to society and for the dissemination of information, including science information, is unnecessary. As some authors argue, the development of digital technologies has led to profound transformations in the way that the public learns about science and technology. One example is that there are a large number of adolescents who choose the Internet as a means of seeking scientific and technological information. In Brazil, a national survey involving 2,206 people aged 15-24 years shows that interest in science is high. The study also indicates that Google (79%) is the main platform young people use to access science and technology information, closely followed by YouTube (73%). WhatsApp and Facebook are also cited by more than half of young people as important tools.

Considering this, and the context of post-truth and fake news, our study uses an eye-tracker and a questionnaire to assess the relevance of information sources for the participants. The experiment was carried out at the Laboratoire des Usages en Technologies d’Information Informations, Paris, involving 23 participants with an average age of 20.5 years, who were divided into two groups. They read four different texts, two from reliable sources (Le Monde and Le Figaro) and two from unreliable sources (Alimentation, Santé et Bien Être, and Santé Nutrition). In one of the groups, there was a manipulation: participants read Le Monde and Le Figaro texts with an indication of unreliable sources and vice versa. Our data indicate that in both groups, there are few fixations (an eye movement that suggests the attention of the readers) on the name of the publication and that the source of information does not appear to have much influence on their willingness to share a story.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Technology

Public communication of science – not a priority of university PR in Taiwan

Author: Yin-Yueh Lo – Shih Hsin University. Taiwan

Acknowledging the association between knowledge society and economic growth, the Taiwanese Government has begun to promote PCST. There is a call for more science popularization and other forms of interactions between science and the public such as dialogs and citizen science. Universities and publicly funded research centers outside the university system are crucial actors in science communication in terms of financial resources and access to scientists as knowledge-producers. This is particularly true in Taiwan because of its lack of quality science journalism. Yet, the science organizations’ role in connecting science and society has received little attention in Taiwan so far. We therefore explored public information officers’ understanding of their role and how science PR in Taiwan aims to connect science and the public. Twelve science PR professionals from 11 different organizations were interviewed. One result is that the priority of science communication – i.e. communication related to research – within the organizations’ overall public relations activities is higher in the PR of research centers than in that of universities. The latter focus on their obvious relevance as educational institutions while the research centers’ image depends on the excellence and social relevance of their research. Based on our preliminary results we argue that science PR cannot replace the observer role of science journalism but – considering the lack of quality science journalism in Taiwan – science PR may have a function in the provision of knowledge and in making science transparent to the public. Based on a grant from the Taiwanese Ministry of Science and Technology we currently continue our research with a more representative research design consisting of a content analysis of the websites of Taiwanese universities and research centers and a standardized online survey among PR professionals.

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Scientists’ opinions and attitudes towards citizens’ understanding of science and their role in public engagement activities

Author: Carolina Llorente – Communication and Society Studies Centre, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain
Co-authors:

  • Mar Carrió – Group of Educational Research in Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain
  • Júlia Alessandra Garcia Chillida – Communication and Society Studies Centre, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain
  • Gema Revuelta – Communication and Society Studies Centre, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain

The increasing perception that public communication in science and technology is an important tool to create a knowledge society is encouraging numerous public engagement activities. In Spain, every two years, the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) analyzes the relationships between science, technology and society through a survey. However, little is known about scientists’ understanding of the perceptions of the public regarding scientists’ role in the research, development and innovation process or on Spanish scientists’ actual understanding of the public. If we want to establish an effective dialogue between science and society, we need to be aware of the opinions and perceptions that both parties have of each other. In this study, we address this issue by focusing on 1022 responses to a survey conducted among scientists in Spain to discover their views of the public, and we then compare these responses with data from national surveys on the public’s understanding of science.

The results show that approximately 75% of Spanish scientists think that the general public has a serious lack of knowledge and understanding of scientific reasoning, although scientists do recognize that science interests the public (73%). Scientists believe that the public values the scientific profession to a lesser extent than suggested by public surveys: on a scale of 1-5, survey respondents rate their valuation of the scientific profession at 4.22, whereas scientists rate the public’s valuation of the profession at 3.12, on average. Significant differences were detected between scientists’ perceptions of how citizens are informed about science and what citizens report in surveys. The challenge for the future is to narrow this gap in order to help scientists gain a better understanding of the public and their interests and to make public engagement activities more effective.

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

Presentation type: Visual presentation
Theme: Time

Review of 70 Years Development of Science Communication in China: From the Perspective of Policy and Governance

Author: Guangbin Liu – Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, China

Co-authors:

  • Xuan Liu – National Academy of Innovation Strategy, Beijing, 100863, China
  • Jianquan Ma – National Academy of Innovation Strategy, Beijing, 100863, China
  • Fujun Ren – National Academy of Innovation Strategy, Beijing, 100863, China

Abstract: 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. From the perspective of the evolution of science communication policy system and governance mechanism analysis, this paper systematically sorts out the related policies over the past 7 decades. Through policy text analysis, combined with the historical statistics of science communication development, a comprehensive review of the evolution, main achievements and challenges of the science communication policy and practice in China are presented.

The evolution of science communication in China is roughly divided into four stages: institutional reconstruction, structural maturity, legal-system construction, and overall strategy upgrading. The paper also analyzes the era background and economic and social needs of the escalating national strategy of science communication in China, and structurally describes the promotion system of science communication policy in modern China.

The main achievements of science communication in China are summarized, including: a representation model of science communication social mobilization mechanism led by the government with public engagement; the sustained growth of national investments in science communication and the multi-development of funding channels; the steady development of science communication talent, etc.

The opportunities and challenges that science communication in China is facing at present are analyzed. From the practice of China, we can see that government attention is a key factor in development of science communication. Facing the new context of the new era, China’s science communication will continue developing and prospering with Chinese characteristics.

Keywords: science communication, scientific literacy, science communication policy, science and technology innovation

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

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Time

Empirical Analysis of the Leading Scientists in China Conducting Science Communication

Author: Yang Liu – Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Co-authors:

  • Yuqiang Liu – North University of China, China
  • Jianzhong Zhou – Institutes of Science and Development, CAS, China

Science and China Lecture Tour by Academicians and Experts is a high-level and non-profit science communication activity, initiated by the Academic Divisions of Chinese Academy of Sciences and jointly sponsored by Chinese Academy of Sciences (China’s equivalent of National Academy of Sciences in the USA, or the Royal Society in the UK), Publicity Department, CCCPC, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Engineering and China Association for Science and Technology. Since its official launch in 2002, more than 1800 lectures have been delivered by the end of 2018. Science and China features activities conducting science communication in China, including Lectures on Local and Social Themes, Scientific Thinking & Decision, Primary and Secondary Students and Academicians Face-to-Face Communications, Lecture Tour by Academicians and Experts, etc. Based on the database from 2002 to 2018 of Science and China Lecture Tour by Academicians and Experts, this study aims to systematically summarize the characteristics of the science communication conducted by the academicians and experts as the leading scientists in China, with empirical analysis methods adopted, such as descriptive statistics and subject word analysis. The inherent laws and the development trend of the Lecture Tour are explored to figure out the main characteristics as well as the existing problems of the science communication by the academicians and experts, thus putting forward reasonable policy suggestions to help better conduct science communication activities in China.

Key words: leading scientists in China, science communication, policy suggestions

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Technology

Is it time to escape?: Examining “Escape Rooms’ as science communication interventions

Author: Hannah Little – Science Communication Unit, The University of the West of England, United Kingdom

Co-authors:

  • Clare Wilkinson – Science Communication Unit, The University of the West of England, United Kingdom

Escape rooms are a recent cultural phenomena, whereby a group of players are locked in a room and must solve a series of clues, puzzles, or mysteries in order to escape. From an educational perspective, escape rooms have been praised for offering a more holistic, human centred and play-based approach to learning, which is able to capitalise on the influence of game-based learning but via a technique that is not technologically driven in the same way that most modern gaming can be. The existing literature on escape rooms has concentrated on their commercial role in tourism, or as a tool used in formal education but what new opportunities do they provide for science communicators? And might they play a role in widening participation around science communication? In this contribution, we will explore their growing use in informal science communication: in science centres and museums. We conducted a set of interviews with institutions running science-themed escape rooms across the UK and USA. We asked about escape room themes, aims and audiences. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and analysed with an inductive thematic analysis approach whereby codes and themes were derived from the data. In this presentation, we will present our findings on the scope and objectives of escape rooms in science communication contexts. We have found a range of objectives ranging from communicating science, attracting underserved groups, and financial gain. Our study provides an initial look at the use of escape rooms in science communication contexts; outlining how they can attract specific audiences and engage them with scientific content.

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

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Contact

The Network for the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST Network) is an organisation that promotes discussion on the theory and practice of communicating science, and of public discourses about science and technology and their role in society.

Email: admin@pcst.network
Web: www.pcst.network

Incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Registered number AO5352.

Terms and conditions  ·  Privacy policy
Disclaimer  ·  Copyright  ·  Sitemap

Copyright © PCST

Connect

Join

PCST is the an active and influential international academic and professional organisation in the field of science communication.

➔ Become a member

Discuss

Our email discussion list is free for everyone to join and has an international audience of over 2000 subscribers.

➔ Join the discussion list

Partners

PCST Network has co-operation agreements with the following international organisations:

EUSEA
European Science Engagement Association

IECA
International Environmental Communication Association

RedPOP
Latin American and Caribbean Network for the Popularisation of Science and Technology