Chen G – PCST Network

Author: Ganigar Chen – National Science Museum, Thailand

Within the ecosystem of science communication, scientists definitely play an important role in the equation. However, due to the nature of work, involving scientists in public science communication is still a common challenge. Communication of scientific knowledge and research information is often conducted by educators, public relations officers and media with limited input from scientists which results in only a broad information with few interesting or specific information which could be provided very well by researchers. Direct learning and sharing knowledge with scientists is also necessary in giving the public an opportunity to connect to real story and real people which would provide inspiration and understanding of the way science and technology has been developed. Science communication in Thailand is no exception to this situation, survey result reveals a number of reasons scientists do not play as much role in science communication, which should lead to a thought on how we can facilitate the scientists’ involvement and at the same time ensure that they can maintain balance of research work and public contribution. This session will share various ways scientists can be involved in science communication and will discuss the findings of each approach from the perspective of scientists and from the perspective of the audience.

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

Presentation type: Visual talk
Theme: Science
Area of interest: Investigating science communication practices

Author: Ganigar Chen – National Science Museum, Thailand, Thailand

Co-authors:
Archanya Ratana-ubol – Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Pichai Sonchaeng – Burapha University, Thailand

Thailand is one of many countries striving for economic development through science, technology, and innovation. Regardless of the strong government policy and support in science and formal education, the national competitiveness index including science literacy continues to be ranked below the average OECD countries, for many years. It is obvious that in the past, efforts have been focused on promoting science education and science was often considered as an important subject to study to get into a good College, rather than as part of knowledge in cultivating quality and well-informed citizens. It is likely that after compulsory education, people who did not study science or have left school for the workforce will have fewer chances and interest to be engaged in science unless there are appropriate motivation and mode to do so. This group account for 10% of the population and will become the major workforce in Thailand in the next 20 years. This study tried to investigate how the youth in different regions of Thailand have been engaged in science and technology in the lifelong learning context. It also investigated which media have the strong influence in people’s informal learning settings. It also looked at their perception and interest in modern science and technology to see how well these learners are prepared for the changing world and their awareness of sustainability. The study looked at how the promotion of lifelong learning strategies in science can be adapted and be adopted for these learners in the different regions of Thailand to stimulate interest in and develop insight into the value of science in every facet of life. This will promote the development of a learning community and society.

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

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Society
Area of interest: Influencing policies through science communication

Context and challenges in engaging scientists in science communication: Case study from Thailand

Study of lifelong learning and civic science literacy of youth in Thailand

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