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Science Communication: Promoting science

Key Documents

Discussion papers

Displaying 1-4 of 4 key documents

Scientific steps to nuclear disarmament

Source: Nature | May 2010

In this Nature article, three members of the Royal Society call for an advisory group and a network of international laboratories to lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and international collaboration. Scientific collaboration has already helped nuclear negotiations, say the authors. But now, the technology needed to support disarmament must be developed.

Time for a new era of science diplomacy

Source: Science | February 2007

In this Science article, US-based scientists Kristin M. Lord and Vaughan C. Turekian argue that science diplomacy is critical to US efforts to build positive relationships with foreign societies. They outline roles for US scientists to play — from acting as goodwill ambassadors to collaborating with colleagues overseas. And they highlight the importance of nongovernmental scientific organisations as conduits to foreign societies.

Science diplomacy in the 21st century

Source: Cell | January 2009

Writing in Cell, Nina Fedoroff, science and technology advisor to the US Secretary of State, calls on all US scientists and engineers to build partnerships with developing countries and improve the economic and educational opportunities within these nations. Scientists have a pivotal role to play in decreasing the disparities between rich and poor, she says.

Biotechnology Journal special issue: Talking Biotech with the Public

Source: Biotechnology Journal | September 2007

This special issue of Biotechnology Journal collects together opinion and case study articles to explore a multitude of challenges around public communication of biotechnology in different parts of the world.
 
Topics include combating the negative emotions that many members of the public feel towards biotechnology by encouraging scientists to engage in public and media discussions, the challenges of achieving this, and a discussion of whether it is the type or level of information that is most important.
 
One article reviews how people currently think about biotechnology, the issue of scientific illiteracy and the media's role in creating and perpetuating misconceptions, while another argues that effective communication can't exist until public perceptions of scientists improve.

The way discussions about biotechnology are framed is also dealt with, concluding that innovative, new techniques are required to create a rational dialogue with the public.