Science Communication Working Group

Chair

Dr. Nicola Stanley
United Kingdom

Mission

Scientific activities shape our lives every day. Ensuring transparency and integrity in research is essential for public health, safety, environmental protection, and biodiversity preservation. As scientists, our primary responsibility is to uphold these principles. We must also inspire interest in science among non-experts, for example, by engaging them in citizen science projects. Public recognition of the value of scientific discovery is vital for sustaining the scientific process.
To serve the public interest, scientists need ongoing dialogue with both society and regulators. Only through multi-stakeholder discussions can we identify urgent scientific solutions to pressing societal challenges. Furthermore, science depends on financial support from governments and industries that will implement these solutions. Such support can only be secured by raising awareness, encouraging involvement, and building trust in the scientific process. Strengthening trust in scientists and researchers will pave the way for evidence-based legislation and transparent regulation.
This working group is committed to developing effective strategies for science communication and dissemination tailored to diverse audiences. Our objectives include identifying best-in-class approaches and creating additional tools where necessary to enable meaningful public engagement. These efforts aim to empower researchers to communicate their work clearly and create constructive dialogue with society. This mission aligns with the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI) objective of promoting harmonised global food safety regulations and legislation through sound science.

Objectives

• Assist other working groups in the formulation of messages aimed at various public
  groups at all levels.
• Debunking pseudoscience and help the publics to be armed against misinformation.
• The objectives listed above are related to the scope of GHI.
• Develop a dialogue with various societal actors towards working together throughout the
  whole research and innovation process to better align research outcomes with the
  values, needs and expectations of society, towards developing science-based legislation
  and evidence-based policy.
• Engage policy makers, funding bodies and educational centers on the needs to train
  scientists and researchers in basic efficient public engagement and the concepts behind
  RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation), leading towards specific guidelines for
  effective science communication.
• Develop region and/or topic specific training manuals to assist scientists in their outreach
  efforts within a global perspective. Special emphasis shall be given for developing need
  based training materials suitable for diverse groups from different backgrounds for
  effective communication and learning.

Interested in joining this Working Group?

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