Why is it in the news?

• The coverage of Chandrayaan-3 exemplified effective public communication of advanced scientific endeavors.

More about the news

• Science communication involves the dissemination of information related to science, scientific work, outcomes, ethical considerations, and societal impacts.
• It includes interactions with scientists, discussions on the political and ethical aspects of scientific endeavours, institutional outreach, and public engagement with science.
• Governments and experts played a crucial role in communicating scientific and healthcare-related information during the pandemic.
• Aimed at promoting public compliance with pandemic-related guidelines such as physical distancing, masking, and vaccination.
• Serves to integrate scientific cultures into India’s diverse society, fostering scientific thinking and awareness.
• It acts as an effective tool for extending scientific boundaries.
• Gains public support for essential research and development activities that are indispensable for societal development.

Improving Science Communication in India

• Scientists should be provided training in the art of science communication.
• Journalists must be oriented towards at least a basic understanding of sciences and its methodology.
• Expanding science communication degree programs in India at master’s and doctoral levels could support training and research in the field. This would lead to a trained cadre of science communicators with an informed understanding of the needs, perspectives, and consequences of their work in diverse educational, linguistic, and cultural contexts in the country.
• Scientists should be rewarded for their efforts in communicating science to the public.
• Nourishing public engagement and translating research papers into regional languages can be encouraged and acknowledged.
• Establishing more platforms for scientists and media practitioners to have close dialogues on issues related to scientific developments.
• A professional organization with experts from various fields should work closely with government-level science departments and offices.
• Frameworks should cut across disciplines, involving science, medicine, disaster management, national security, diplomacy groups, and various media formats.

Way Forward

• Given the role of scientific solutions in addressing national challenges, India needs a large-scale science communication strategy.
• Effective communication between journalists and the scientific community can create a mutual understanding, yielding positive outcomes.
• More seriously planned agenda and policies for science communication in a transparent manner are prerequisites to engage and speed up science communication.