Strategy Meeting 27.09.22
Following an initial meet-up online in April 2022, we were happy to host a small workshop for the core members who have already joined the emerging network. Taking place on the 27th of September, the participants were able to meet each other (many for the first time) to discuss science communication education and research. After an introduction to the agenda by organisers Sophie Lecheler and Sarah Davies, the meeting in April was recapped and the clusters which had emerged were presented:
Cluster 1: Trust in Science & Science Engagement
Cluster 2: Digital Science Communication
Cluster 3: Inequality & Diversity in Science Communication
Cluster 4: Communicating “Failures”, Processes and Uncertainties of Science
Cluster 5: Science & Politics, Expert Knowledge
Cluster 6: Science Communication as part of Scientific Careers
Utilising these clusters, different directions in which a science communication research network could lead in the future, particularly in terms of coordinating different research collaborations, were discussed. Afterwards, the workshop participants were asked to brainstorm individually what kind of research, initiatives and directions they would like to see from the network’s future. Then, the participants grouped up and shared with their group members their ideas. Bringing all thoughts back to a plenum discussion, these thematic clusters of ideas for the future activities of the network emerged:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing science communication initiatives (qualitative and quantitative research on effectiveness of interventions)
Research on the perceptions of publics of science and science communication initiatives and how these perceptions/reactions relate to the motivation of scientists/researchers to engage in science communication
Evaluation of institutional support for science communication initiatives; is there enough training for emerging science communicators, are there rewards of efforts (also recognised institutionally in terms of career advancements)?
The meeting was concluded with discussions on how to take next steps towards realising these research ideas, as well as the next concrete activities of the Science Communication @ UNIVIE working group, which includes the lecture series starting in October 2022.