Science of Science Communication Scientific Interest Group
NEW! Socially responsible science communication in the age of generative AI
https://nih.zoomgov.com/j/1614401439
Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 7, 1:30pm ET. We will hear about "Socially responsible science communication in the age of generative AI" from Professor Eric A. Jensen. He has a number of affiliations, including University of Warwick in the UK.
Generative AI offers support tools for researchers, communicators and data analysis, offering a starting point for content generation, editing and improvements. What does it mean to be a ‘responsible’ science communicator or researcher in this context? The need for this kind of critical reflection is increasingly salient in a world marked by the inconsistent interpretation of evidence in many high-profile contexts. Responsible science communicators and researchers are audience- and impact-focused, beginning their decision-making process by considering their audiences’ starting positions, needs and values – and using innovative tools responsibly.
Effectively communicating research results to a broad range of audiences is integral to the scientific process. The ability to tell rigorous and compelling stories of science can elevate a researcher’s profile, facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, and increase the impact of their scholarly publications within the scientific community. Perhaps more importantly, strong communication can also enhance public engagement with science, allowing researchers to build bridges of trust with non-technical audiences and instill a sense of curiosity and wonder among inquiring minds. While artistry is no doubt critical to communications, there exists an underlying body of literature that draws from fields including psychology, sociology, and political science that provide a theoretical foundation for scientific communications.
The NIH Science of Science Communication Interest Group (ScioSciComm-SIG) plans to focus specifically on the scientific design and evaluation of science communication, with seminars/journal clubs highlighting both measures of effectiveness and methods to increase general success or target efforts to respond to specific goals.
The interest group is chaired by Chris Gunter (NHGRI) and Erica Bizzell (NIDDK). Membership in the ScioSciComm-SIG is open to all interested individuals within the NIH, who can join the listserv via https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A0=SCIOSCICOMM. A combination of face-to-face meetings and remote webinars are held monthly.
For more information and instructions on joining the newsletter, contact Drs. Bizzell or Gunter.
Previous lectures:
2024 February 1: "Strategic science communication for building trust," by Dr. John Besley of Michigan State University
2023 October 5: “Quality of science communication: deep questions and practical suggestions," by Mr. Arko Olesk
2023 July 6: “Evaluating the effectiveness of science communication" by Dr. Kristin Bass, Director of Research Development at Rockman
2003 April 6: “Does science self-correct? What we’ve learned at Retraction Watch” by Dr. Ivan Oransky, Editor in Chief, Spectrum; Distinguished Writer in Residence, New York University's Arthur Carter Journalism Institute; and Co-Founder, Retraction Watch.
2023 February 2: “Community-based public health communication” by Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, Associate Professor, Vice-Chair, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
2023 April 6: "Does science self-correct? What we’ve learned at Retraction Watch” by Dr. Ivan Oransky, Editor in Chief, Spectrum; Distinguished Writer in Residence, New York University's Arthur Carter Journalism Institute; and Co-Founder, Retraction Watch.
Chairs
- Chris Gunter, Ph.D., NHGRI
- Erica Bizzell, NIDDK
Scientific Focus Areas
Social and Behavioral Sciences
This page was last updated on Friday, February 16, 2024