In the last few years, science communication has established itself as a separate discipline with specific expertise. Science communication is the practice of informing, raising awareness of science-related topics, and also getting involved with audiences that include, at least in part, people from outside the science community.
Science Europe views science communication as an essential element in strengthening the “role and contribution of science in tackling societal challenges” and is committed to working with its Member Organisations to foster better and more effective science communication.
Research and innovation systems have the crucial role of generating new knowledge and can transform fundamental scientific knowledge into concrete applications. Societal challenges, such as pandemics, artificial intelligence, big data, food security, or energy and climate threats highlight the importance of investment in research and of research-informed evidence. However, great science does not speak for itself: it is critical that scientific evidence is readily available and easy to understand.
The context in which (science) communication takes place is more and more polarised, diverse, and volatile. Appropriate science communication is key to research-informed policy making, and societal debates. Communication and interaction with various audiences, including other research stakeholders and citizens, should take place at all stages of the research process to contribute to excellent science.
The role of researchers and research institutions is changing and so is their engagement in science communication, which now often includes stakeholder involvement and public engagement.
Science Europe envisions a science communication system that considers science communication as an important part of the research culture we want to build, and embeds science communication processes in a research framework based on open science and ethical standards.
We believe in a science communication system that should inform and engage citizens in research, developing public understanding of research; and should also provide timely evidence relevant to societal challenges, to foster science-informed societal debates and policy making.
We also aim to demonstrate how our passion for science can inspire citizens, as well as new generations to achieve higher education.
Science Europe published a statement that aligns its Member Organisations in the initiation of actions that contribute to foster science communication.
Science Europe is committed to supporting research funding and research performing organisations to:
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Science Europe's 2022 Annual Report highlights the most important achievements of 2022 on Science Europe’s priority topics, including research culture, research assessment, open science, EU framework programmes, the green and digital transition, and science communication.
In 2022, Science Europe made significant contributions in various areas, including research culture, research assessment, open science, EU framework programmes, the green and digital transition, and science communication.
The Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), the Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S-FNRS), and Science Europe are delighted to announce they are co-organising a High Level Conference on Science Communication from 12–13 March 2024. Mark it in your calendars!
In 2023, Science Europe continues working with its Member Organisations to reinforce the collective capacity to communicate research more effectively and to enhance the communication of science to society. Science Communication emerged as a new priority area in itself in the framework of Science Europe’s Strategy Plan 2021–2026.
Science Europe organised a workshop on Science Communication for its members, attended by over 30 participants, on 26 and 27 January in Brussels.
On 26–27 January, the Science Europe Working Group on Communication organised its first Workshop on Science Communication. The aim was to discuss what is at stake in science communication, focus on what needs to be done collectively to improve it, and define what concrete actions to develop.
The 2022 High Level Workshop on the ERA dealt with the topic of research ethics and integrity when engaging with various public audiences.
More than 30 initiatives from 14 organisations were shared in the #TalkingScience with High Integrity and Ethics Standards campaign, organised by Science Europe and its Working Group on Communication.
The 14th edition of the High Level Workshop on the ERA was hosted by the SNSF and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. It focused on research ethics and integrity in the context of public engagement.
Science Europe launches a vision for science communication and commits to working with its member organisations to strengthen their capacity and to support their efforts to communicate research more effectively.