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Science Communication Contexts and Actors

This document discusses science communication contexts and actors. It distinguishes between two types of science communication: science outreach which communicates science from experts to non-experts, and science inreach which communicates among experts. It describes the fields of science communication including science journalism, public relations, and education. It also distinguishes the subfields of science writing: scientific writing, science reporting, and technical writing.

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MARK LAWRENZ SERIOSA
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49 views

Science Communication Contexts and Actors

This document discusses science communication contexts and actors. It distinguishes between two types of science communication: science outreach which communicates science from experts to non-experts, and science inreach which communicates among experts. It describes the fields of science communication including science journalism, public relations, and education. It also distinguishes the subfields of science writing: scientific writing, science reporting, and technical writing.

Uploaded by

MARK LAWRENZ SERIOSA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 27

Topic #2

Science Communication Contexts and


Actors

By
LUZ ABAD-JOVE
Department of Communication and Development Studies
Learning Outcomes
After studying this module, students should be able to:
 Distinguish the types and actors of science communication, their
environment and relationship;
 Distinguish the subfields of science writing.
2 Types of Science Communication
1. Science Outreach. This is an outward facing
communication of science conducted by
scientists or technical experts for non-expert
audiences.
Examples: Science journalism
Science museum
Textbooks and Manuals
2 Types of Science Communication
2. Science Inreach. This is an inward-facing
communication of science conducted by
scientists or technical experts for other technical
expert audiences (whether or not they have
similar or different scientific backgrounds).
Examples:
Scientific journal
Scientific conference
The Fields and Actors in Science
Communication
Figure 1. Schematic overview of the field and the actors of science communication according to Carsten Könneker

Source https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/user:Spektrumdw
Actors in the different fields of science communication
Science practitioners
(scientists/technical experts)
Mediators (science
journalists, public
relations/press officers,
technical writers,
broadcasters, film makers)
Other actors (members of the
general public such as national/local
executives, lawmakers/policy-
makers, teachers/trainers,
researchers, extension/development
workers, entrepreneurs, students
and youths, farmers, housewives)
Actors in the Fields of Science Communication
Science practitioners and mediators,
both aim to communicate with other
actors (members of the general public)
 From science practitioners (as source)
to other actors (as receivers), the
approach is called institutionally-
linked external science communication
(science outreach)
 From the science journalists (as
source/mediators) to other actors (as
receivers), the field of practice is
called science journalism
 From the PR/press officers (as
source/mediators) to other actors (as
receivers), the field of practice is
called science communication
Actors in the Fields of Science Communication

Bilateral interactions
take place
 between the science
practitioners and
journalists;
 between the science
practitioners and
PR/press officers;
 between the PR/press
officers and science
journalists
Actors in the Fields of Science Communication

Other actors also communicate science to their


peers, or target groups
Examples:
 LGU project implementer presents to funding
agency the scientific basis of constructing
“green” buildings
 Teachers explain the process of photosynthesis
to their pupils
 Fish biologist presents to peer-researchers the
process of improving the productivity of fish
cage culture
Distinguishing theSubfields
of Science Writing
The Subfields of Science Writing
 Scientific (Report) Writing

 Science Reporting

 Technical Writing
What is scientific (report) writing?
 It is the process of organizing and documenting a body
of information obtained from a completed scientific
work. It is also called research report writing.

 If the output is a research proposal, it is simply called


scientific writing.
 Scientific writing follows a format which is anchored on
the procedure of scientific inquiry (research)
Research Procedure and Research Report Format
What is scientific report writing?
 Scientific writing typically involves the interactions of
different groups of researchers/scientists
Researchers/scientists come from basic and applied
sciences like astronomy, biology, chemistry, meteorology,
agriculture, engineering, medicine, sociology, and other
specialized fields (economics, communication, politics)
etc.
Elements of communication in scientific report writing
Who says? The researcher or scientist, has to write his/her scientific report

What? All prescribed elements of a scientific report;


Contents are logically structured, formal, accurate and objective
In which In print/electronic: research report, thesis manuscript, scientific
channel? journal, conference proceedings; e-journal

For whom? For other technical experts within or outside the field of study,
including the journalists and agency information officers

What effect or Created an awareness


outcome is to Gained or increased knowledge
Validated a theory
be expected? Stimulated technology development (among inventors, they browse
scientific reports)
What is science reporting?
 It is the process of gathering and interpreting science-
based knowledge and specialized topics and
conveying it to the general public.

 It is also called science journalism, or science story


writing

 Science reporting is a sub-field of science


communication
 Examples of topics written by scientists and journalist
- nanotechnology, biotechnology and its applications in
industries
- global warming, its effects and impacts in
agriculture, health and environment
- genetic engineering, genetically modified
organism, and human health
- meteorology
- nuclear power
- globalization
 Science reporting typically involves the interactions of:
1) researchers/scientists;
2) reporters/journalists; and
3) general public, and or target audience (e.g. policy-
makers)

 In print and broadcast journalism, a scientific report (written by


scientists or researchers) is transformed into news or feature
article by a science journalist using easy to understand language
Elements of communication in science reporting
Who says? Either a journalist, an information officer, or press officer

What? Selected information and knowledge in any field of science


that are important to people’s everyday lives; Popular or
simple language
In which channel? In print (e.g. newspaper, newsletter)
In broadcast (radio & TV: e.g. “I Am Ready”
TV: e.g. National Geographic)
In electronic (webpages of science magazine,
science blog, corporate newsletter)
For whom? General public (popular audience)
With what effect? Created awareness
Increased knowledge
Improved mind-set or interest
Tried ideas or products
What is technical writing?

 It is the process of gathering technological and specialized


information, then organizing and presenting it to a target
audience or popular audience in clear, easily
understandable form (Society for Technical
Communication)
 Sources of technological and specialized information are technical
experts in applied sciences: agriculture, architecture, computer
science, economics, engineering, food science, forensics, genetics,
health sciences, information technology, metallurgy, pharmaceutical
sciences, space science, etc.
 Technical writing typically involves the interactions of:
1) technologists/manufacturers;
2) technical writers; and
3) target audience and /or popular audience

 Examples of technical writing outputs:


- User guide, Design manual, User manual
Other outputs of technical writers
 Technology Manual  Patent specifications
 Laboratory/Clinical Report  Forensic Report
 Product Brochure/Catalog  Graphic Aids
 Instructional Manual  Financial Report
 Architectural design
descriptions
Elements of communication in technical Writing
Who says? Either a technologist, a manufacturer, or a technical writer

What? Selected technological and specialized information in any of


the applied sciences ( that are important to people’s
everyday lives)
In which channel? Print (leaflet, flyer, catalog, manual, primer,
book/booklet, etc.
Electronic (webpages of technical journals,
Q&A blogs, corporate webpages, Help guide
For whom? Target group, General public
With what effect? Created awareness
Increased knowledge
Improved interest
Improved skills
Improved adoption of products/services
Wrap-up
 Science communication as an area of devcom practice is very important
and is applied in the other areas of devcom practice
 Scientists, journalists, public information officers are the primary
benefactors (as source and mediators) in science communication. On one
hand, different groups of the public are the primary beneficiaries
(receivers) of science communication.
 Several interfaces and forms of activity are used in science
communication.
 Scientific writers communicate with peers and other expert groups,
while science reporters and technical writers communicate with all
members of the general public.
Activity 1. Student-formulated test questions with corresponding correct answers

Guidelines
1. With reference to the contents of Topic #1, formulate test questions that will signify how you correctly
understood science communication as an area of devcom practice, its contexts and actors:
1.1 10 items True or False (20 points)
1.2 10 items Multiple Choice (20 points)
1.3 1 item Essay (10 points)
2. Deadline of submission: August 24, or 25 (based on your class schedule)

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