Abstract:

Nowadays, the importance attributed to public outreach activities refers to the democratisation of science (science belongs to all and for all) as well as to the consolidation of citizenship (more informed citizens are more participatory citizens). Moreover, public outreach activities, besides promoting the increment of scientific literacy, legitimise and value the work of researchers, regardless of the communication channel chosen. These initiatives also contribute greatly to shaping the science-society relation over time, and Universities and their scientists have a main role in the appropriate development of that relationship. However, scientists face multiple barriers to participate in science outreach activities, namely the lack of training in science communication which makes them feel uncomfortable in developing public outreach activities, as they consider that they don’t have the required skills.

Bearing this in mind, we developed the SciComm4all project, a self-guided learning modules, organised in short videos and additional resources (scientific articles, blogs, guidelines and toolkits), which aim is to give scientists a guide of essential tips about entering into constructive dialogue with the various societal actors. These modules are specifically designed to inspire scientists to engage efficiently with society, to boost dialogue and promote interaction with different actors and/or to get familiarised with science communication theories. In this sense, modules topics include contents such as: getting to know an audience, defining key messages, writing science for non specialists, among many others.

The short videos were conceived keeping inclusivity in mind, hence, avoid sexist language, graphics and sketch characters, and common stereotypes regarding scientists and science itself. They are available in English, subtitled in 14 other European languages and in open access format.

SciComm4all was produced by an interdisciplinary international team of scientists and science communicators in the framework of the COST Action EuroScitizen (‘Building on scientific literacy in evolution towards scientifically responsible Europeans’) and is sponsored by prestigious European projects and institutions. The modules are available at www.scicomm4all.org.

We intend to share the project, its goals and achievements, as well as the self-guided learning modules themselves in order to enhance scientists’ motivation to develop public outreach activities.

Keywords:

Science Communication, Outreach, Scientists, SciComm4all.