Science Communication

Why in news?

Science communication in India faces new challenges and possibilities in the present context.

What is Science Communication?

• Science communication is to communicate and to acquaint the common masses with scientific knowledge aiming to inculcate scientific temper among its common level.
• It is an umbrella term that also includes the exchange of scientific knowledge, institutional outreach, and public engagement with science.
• It involves all forms of communication around science, scientific work, its outcome, discussions on its ethical, societal, or political impacts.
• It also involves direct conversations with scientists as well as diverse audiences.

How the contemporary science engagement is diverse?

• Space mission- It involves a well-defined and largely one-way relay of scientific information, and has the advantage of an inherent visual appeal, aspirational intent, and national sentiment.
  • Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission is an exemplar of the public communication of advanced science.
  • The lander’s soft-landing was telecasted on several channels, making it one of the largest demonstrations of a live scientific experiment in India.
• COVID-19 - The communication of scientific and healthcare-related information became significant which reflected the interdisciplinary effort in containing the pandemic.
  • It intended to promote public compliance with good ‘pandemic habits’ like physical distancing, masking, and vaccination.
  • Homemade masks manual promoted the use of low-cost and reusable masks during the pandemic.
• The pandemic exposed the challenging situation for science communication in India, with gaps in data reporting, vaccine hesitancy, and infection forecasting
• .Contrasting communication- The different aspects and outcomes of science communication in a space mission and a pandemic revealed the diverse nature and needs of contemporary science engagement.

What lies ahead?

• Formal education- There is a need to expand science communication degree programmes to train and equip science communicators with the skills and knowledge to address the diverse needs and contexts of science communication in India.
• Inclusive science communication- There is a need to integrate science communication into scientific process which will develop strategies to communicate science effectively at various levels.
• Assessment strategies- India should encourage and assess the practice of science communication among scientists, such as incentives, public engagement, outreach programmes, and translation of research papers.
• Interdisciplinary approach- India needs a comprehensive and coordinated plan to communicate scientific solutions to national challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, air pollution, and energy diversification.
• Multifaceted approach- Science communication strategy should involve experts from various fields and sectors, and address the needs and perspectives of different disciplines and groups.

Reference

The Hindu- Science Communication in India