Researchers’ changing roles in practice and theory: reporting from a mini-symposium
On July 12 in 2024, a mini-symposium Communicating science effectively? New insights from science communication and science journalism research for researchers’ changing roles was held at the premises of the University of Twente (UT) in the newly decorated and prize-winning location of the Langezijds-building. With over 65 registrations the event was well-attended. After the opening speech and blessing from the dean from the UT BMS faculty professor Tanya Bondarouk, the new website for the Research Centre for Science Communication and Engagement was launched. As a tool for outreach and engagement, the website, initiated by dr. Anne Dijkstra, showcases research projects and practices in science communication from the UT-community and wider. The event was funded by the BMS Strategic Research Fund and NeFCA (The Netherlands – Flanders Communication Association, Science Communication division).
While outside, at times, it was raining cats and dogs, the participants engaged in lively discussions about researchers’ changing roles within and towards society with two international key-note speakers dr. Marta Entradas (Lisbon University and LSE) and prof. Mikihito Tanaka (Waseda University), a quiz polling participants’ own public communication practices and motivations, a PhD panel about science journalism in times of AI, citizen science approaches and news framing (Anouk de Jong, Lorraine Trento Oliveira and Aike Vonk), and two contributions from a practical perspective. Dr. Heather Handley demonstrated with film excerpts, how she and others, organised a large film-festival The Earth Futures Festival, while ‘trickster-scientist’ dr. Femke Nijboer was interviewed by Anne Dijkstra to discuss her reasons for writing a counter-intuitive book about healthy behaviour. Perfect examples of science communication in practice and the challenges when doing-so.
At the end of the day, it was concluded that the need for more events deliberating science communication practices connected to science communication research is highly appreciated while also training of researchers is much valued. Such events and training raise awareness for the practices, while support by research outcomes can help tackling challenges researchers encounter with science communication activities.
Author Anne Dijkstra, lead UT Research Centre for Science Communication and Engagement