The main objective of the CONCISE project was to explore the role that science communication plays in shaping the knowledge, beliefs and opinions of the European Union population on scientific issues. To achieve this goal, the CONCISE partnership organised public consultations in Lisbon (Portugal), Valencia (Spain), Vicenza (Italy), Tarnawa (Slovakia) and Lodz (Poland), attended by nearly 500 citizens. This allowed the CONCISE team to bring together survey results from different EU regions, providing comparable and accurate information.
The project brought together diverse perspectives on science communication, selecting four themes on health and environmental issues:
- Climate change
- Genetically modified foods (GMOs)
- Vaccines
- Alternative medicine
CONCISE provided information on the sources and channels through which EU citizens acquire scientific knowledge and how this knowledge influences their beliefs, opinions and perceptions of the world around them. The study has resulted in a series of recommendations addressed to various 'actors' involved in the knowledge communication process – from popularisers through academics, the role of universities to mass media and government bodies.
The issue of scientific communication is relatively new in our country and is slowly gaining awareness. Our previous national achievements in this field are pioneering in Poland. In addition, the subject fits perfectly into the strategy of the University of Lodz. The newly elected Rector’s Board, noting its importance, is planning to appoint a position at the rank of Vice-Rector for Communication and Popularisation of Science
– says Prof. Izabela Warwas – Head of the CONCISE project.
In a clear way, from a citizen's perspective, using different formats – selected recommendations
The study highlights the importance of trust in scientific institutions and the media, the role of social networks and personal beliefs in shaping perceptions, and the impact of misinformation on public discourse. It also explores the effectiveness of communication channels, from traditional media to digital platforms, in communicating scientific information to different audiences.
Some of the proposed recommendations for effective and citizen-desired science communication are as follows:
- adopting a citizen's perspective in communicating scientific content, e.g. how a given phenomenon affects an individual, their local community, the country or the world and what specific things they can do
- in order to reach different audiences, a variety of formats should be used to present scientific content (serious, visually appealing, traditional, funny, sensational, showing advantages and disadvantages), at the same time multiple media should be used (especially through social and information campaigns), and visual communication should be used more to make the messages more attractive;
- the use of a language, which is clear, objective and adapted to the type of audience;
- offering support to researchers in terms of how to effectively disseminate their research results and enhance their skills in using traditional and digital media.
For more recommendations and conclusions, all the interested persons are referred to the accessible document: Komunikacja naukowa w Polsce. Wiedza, przekonania, opinie. Policy Brief 2020. [Science communication in Poland. Knowledge, beliefs, opinions. Policy Brief 2020]
Why is science communication important and who should deal with it?
Money for science in Poland comes primarily from taxes. However, the gap between scientists, or science as such, and society is significant.
As CONCISE research has shown, people trust or gain knowledge most from their neighbours, celebrities and the mass media – we trust close, famous and numerous people.
Although scientists are also highly trusted by society, they usually do not have enough time to devote to promoting themselves and their research. This gap may be filled by science popularisers, who are not always scientists, who will convey complex content, which is often directly relevant to the lives of the audience, in an accessible way. A better understanding of scientific knowledge influences the overall increase in knowledge of society and makes it less susceptible to manipulation, more democratic and civic, which contributes to social development and also translates into the strengthening of the country's internal security. This is invaluable nowadays.
The authors of the book
The book was edited by:
- Prof. Carolina Moreno-Castro (University of Valencia);
- Prof. Aneta Krzewińska – Head of the Department of Social Research Methods and Techniques, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz;
- Dr Małgorzata Dzimińska – Department of Labour and Social Policy, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz;
Co-authors on behalf of the University of Lodz include:
- Prof. Justyna Wiktorowicz – Deputy Head of the Institute of Statistics and Demography, Department of Economic and Social Statistics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology;
- Dr Agnieszka Kretek-Kamińska – Department of Social Research Methods and Techniques, Faculty of Economics and Sociology
- and the co-author Dr Kamil Brzeziński – also from the Department of Social Research Methods and Techniques.
Prof. Izabela Warwas – Head of the Department of Labour and Social Policy at the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz – the project manager.
How Citizens View Science Communication: Pathways to Knowledge" is a timely and valuable source of information that sheds light on the current state of science communication in Europe and points the way towards more effective and inclusive practices. The book offers fascinating insights and practical guidance for anyone interested in the interface of science, society and communication. Quotes from citizen-participants in each country are a valuable example of citizen science, while the methodology for analysing the debates was relevant for research on science communication
– concludes Professor Carolina Moreno-Castro.
The publication "How Citizens View Science Communication: Pathways to Knowledge" is available as an open access, downloadable file!
Source: Prof. Izabela Warwas (Department of Labour and Social Policy, University of Lodz), Prof. Carolina Moreno-Castro
Edit: Michał Gruda (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.