Science and technology have been developing at a great pace. There are numerous breakthrough innovations and groundbreaking improvements in almost every aspect of life. Undoubtedly, another field experiencing such a fast development is communication. Communication has been following and adapting related technological developments not only in terms of software and hardware but also in terms of targeting the right audience and creating the audience interaction. While developments in science and technology feed communication, communication disseminates the outcomes of innovative studies to the defined target groups. Science communication becomes a part of this mutual relation. This study is focused on research funds, opportunities, and international networks in the field of science communication. Within this context, challenges in research activities and expected impact of research outcomes will be examined in terms of science communication. Also, the role and importance of networks in science communication will be examined in line with research funds and support provided for this field.
TopIntroduction
Science and technology have been developing at a great pace. History of science and technology is consisted of breakthrough innovations and groundbreaking improvements in almost every aspect of life. Undoubtedly, another field which has been experiencing such a fast development process is communication. Communication has been following and adapting related technological developments and inventions not only in terms of software and hardware but also in terms of targeting the right audience and creating the audience interaction. Increasing number of media such as social media tools and digital environments bring new approaches to language, visuals, content, and such. Therefore, it’s inevitable to bring science and technology together with the communication. While developments in science and technology feed the developments in communication, communication disseminates the outcomes of innovative studies to the defined target groups. At this point, science communication becomes a part of this mutual relation. Science communication is the way of transferring knowledge of science-related subject matters to the society by using right tools and approaches. There are a lot of research funds and organizations supporting scientific studies and technological initiatives. Communication as a field of research can benefit from these opportunities. However; science communication as a field of study has gained more and more importance as the number of inventions and the necessity of innovation arise. Therefore; specific research calls and funds have become available for science communication. In addition, networks and non-governmental organizations to support and promote science communication have been established for many reasons including creating awareness and drawing attention to the importance of the subject. This study is focused on existing research funds and opportunities in the field of science communication as well as the international networks in this field. Within this context, the challenges that need to be addressed in research activities and the expected impact of the outcomes of these activities will be examined in terms of science communication. Also, the role and importance of networks in science communication will be examined in line with these research funds and support provided specifically for this field.
Science Communication
There are various definitions for science communication. Davies and Horst (2016) defined science communication as “organized actions aiming to communicate scientific knowledge, methodology, processes or practices in settings where non-scientists are a recognized part of the audience” (p. 4). Mc Kinnon and Vos (2016) described it as “encompassing the interactions between the various publics and the scientific community at a popular level, which may include some form of educational or pedagogic approach” (p. 29). Polino and Castelfranchi (2012) made an assumption about key factors of science communication based on their literature review and described it as “to explain (to share) scientific knowledge or ideas with nonspecialized audiences” (p. 7). These definitions and other publications in literature enables people to make different definitions and explanations on the concept. In general science communication can be stated as using appropriate communication tools as a way of telling complex scientific knowledge in a simple narration.
Some people may show a general interest in science communication to follow recent developments and news on the latest science and technology activities while some people consider it as a field of study in itself. Those considering science communication in a professional way can benefit from existing funds and network opportunities in this field. There are various types and forms of support mechanisms for science communication all around the world.
Research Opportunities in the Field of Science Communication
Science and society relations are among the areas on which researchers focus and develop theories as well as practices. Communicating developments in science and technology is one of those research areas. The general name of these studies can be defined as science communication, but it is possible to see different wordings such as public communication or it is possible to see names in relation to their focus area such as STEM communication.
As in other research and developments fields, studies on science communications are also funded through grants and research opportunities provided by different organizations. Here are some of the research opportunities on science communication around the world which was randomly found on search engines by making query with keywords science communication research and science communication grants: