Science provides a useful way to explore and understand the natural world. But it also has a richness, diversity and creativity that is often overlooked.
Are there other ways to get people to engage with climate change?
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One of our academic authors recently commented that The Conversation has become “very mainstream in what it’s publishing”. It was a loaded comment, considering people increasingly distrust “the MSM”, sometimes…
Bioblocks, created for the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.
Swansea University
Reports of facts’ death have been greatly exaggerated. Effective communication jettisons the false dilemma in favor of a more holistic view of how people take in new information on contentious topics.
And don’t expect chocolate ice cream, either.
Barney Moss
Millions of Americans believe brown cows produce chocolate milk? The way the media reported this factoid raises questions about science literacy – but different ones than you may think.
Interviewing scientists - shown here is physicist Louise Harra - is a skill that takes experience and in depth knowledge on the part of the journalist.
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Does science have an answer to science denial? Just as being vaccinated protects you from a later full-blown infection, a bit of misinformation explained could help ward off other cases down the road.
People seem to think industry-funded research belongs in the garbage.
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Scientists need funding to do their work. But a new study finds turning to industry partners taints perceptions of university research, and including other kinds of partners doesn’t really help.
A baby Hawaiian bobtail squid, measuring just 1.5cm across, is pictured using photomacrography.
Mark R Smith/Macroscopic Solutions
Popular programming that focuses on science tends to not actually be all that popular. Bringing in new audiences who aren’t already up to speed on science topics is a challenge.
Rhetoric can teach scientists how to effectively communicate what’s going on in the lab to the rest of us.
Joshua Mayer
If you’ve only ever paired the idea of ‘rhetoric’ with ‘empty,’ think again. Rhetoricians of science have concrete techniques to share with researchers to help them communicate their scientific work.
What happens to their credibility when scientists take to the streets? February 2017 Stand Up for Science rally in Boston.
Adam Salsman
The research community tends to assume advocacy doesn’t mix with objectivity. One study suggests there’s room for scientists to make real-world recommendations without compromising their trusted status.
UK scientists protest against proposed cuts in 2010.
Shane/Flickr
If those Marching for Science muddle their message, it may backfire on them. So here are some tips to help make sure the message is heard loud and clear by the right audience.
For some parents, the decision to vaccinate requires more than just objective evidence.
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Whilst most parents do vaccinate, health professionals often find it difficult to talk with those who are hesitant or decline. A new resource provides information and communication support.
The March for Science will build on other rallies that encourage the use of scientific evidence in forming policy.
AAP Image/Mal Fairclough
March for Science rallies will take place in cities around Australia on Saturday 22 April. A volunteer organiser explains why he and others are participating.
How you package the information matters.
Frame image via www.shutterstock.com.
Are we in a race against climate change? Or is it a war? How does thinking of the past or the future affect your support for the science? Researchers are learning how metaphors and context matter.