Communicating science in the age of disinformation

In an era where misinformation shapes societal discourse, the effective communication of science has become paramount. Presenting complex research to the public in an understandable yet scientifically rigorous manner remains a significant challenge, despite attention from traditional and social media.

A recent symposium, "From Research to Public: Scientific Communication in Humanities and Social Sciences," organized by the Faculty of Humanities (ISH) at Alma Mater Europaea University and the Center for Humanities at ZRS Koper, brought together experts from Slovenia, Germany, and Norway. They agreed that researchers can no longer remain isolated within academic circles; effective scientific communication is now essential for public trust and understanding contemporary society.

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The major problem is when it's impossible to distinguish what is real scientific knowledge and what are alternative facts or fake news. Scientists have an important role in presenting facts supported by explanations of methods and background. This helps the public recognize who is an expert and who is not.

Dr. Meike Haken from Freie Universität Berlin stressed the blurring line between scientifically verified information and manipulative content. She argued that researchers must not only present findings but also the transparent, evidence-based, and responsible process of scientific inquiry. "The major problem is when it's impossible to distinguish what is real scientific knowledge and what are alternative facts or fake news," Haken stated. "Scientists have an important role in presenting facts supported by explanations of methods and background. This helps the public recognize who is an expert and who is not."

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It all has to start in childhood, in kindergartens, schools; children need to be taught how science works.

Conversely, Haken noted the need for a discerning audience. "It all has to start in childhood, in kindergartens, schools; children need to be taught how science works," she explained, highlighting the challenges of scientific communication. She also observed a growing institutionalization of scientific communication within German research institutions, with dedicated communication departments emerging separately from traditional public relations.

Addressing the responsibility for scientific communication, Haken advocated for synergy between researchers and specialized communicators, stating, "We shouldn't separate this, as each role has its expertise on how to communicate science." She added that public trust in science is also built through personal connection, as the public wants to know the individuals behind research and knowledge. Haken's research includes studying how various sciences communicate on social media, identifying "science influencers" on platforms like TikTok and Instagram who can reach vast audiences and play a vital role in combating disinformation.

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We shouldn't separate this, as each role has its expertise on how to communicate science.