Rockefeller Centre hosts ‘Theory-meets-Practice’ Conference

11 December 2017

After a period of rapid expansion, science communication has arrived at something of a crossroads. Where to next?  The aim of the conference was to provide a fresh focus.

In proposing the event to the Rockefeller Foundation, convenor Jenni Metcalfe set out 4 aims:

  • Determine how science communication research can better inform the practice of science communication
  • Ensure that researchers appreciate and respond to the problems science communication practitioners are facing
  • Bring together science communication researchers and practitioners to work jointly on projects aiming to solve some of the world’s intractable issues
  • Form a global science communication think-tank to develop a theoretical framework for effective science communication research and practice.

The Bellagio Centre hosted a four-day meeting at Lake Como, allowing a lively and intensive discussion among the 22 participants.

Organisers hoped to re-boot a discussion on the direction of science communication.  Early feedback is positive:  “I want to thank you for connecting me back to the community. I had been drifting away somewhat… but this made me feel like I was once again amongst my tribe.”

The first outputs of this intensive conversation will be two major sessions at the PCST Conference in Dunedin: a roundtable discussion, and a series of linked papers to summarise the Bellagio discussions and look ahead to future activities.

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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.

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European Science Engagement Association

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