Dr Melanie Smallman discussed ‘Transitions’ within a science communication context.
Over the past 20 or more years, Melanie argued that we have seen science communication framed as ‘deficit to dialogue’ as we have moved from believing opposition to science was due to lack of knowledge, to understanding that the benefits and risks of science and technology are not shared equally, giving rise to public concerns and opposition. As noted in the ‘tensions’ talk she argued that we have seen a big shift to involving the public in discussions about scientific developments but at the same time, episodes like the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapidly advancing climate crisis highlight the role of knowledge and information, the absence of science communicators - and perhaps the insufficiency of our engagement approach. So what is the next science communication idea or concept that we need to think about as we head into the climate crisis?
She raised the following areas that she would like to see explored further in Aberdeen:
- Place: It is clear that science communication is by necessity a context-specific practice and that lessons learned in the Global South have as much potential to be valuable and insightful to the Global North as vice versa. How do we transition to a community whereby lessons are both global and local simultaneously?
- Roles and skills: The pressing climate crisis might create the demand for us to become more activist in our science communication approach with an aim to drive changes in behaviour. At the same time the availability of generative AI raises questions about whether there is a need for science communicators to play a translational role anymore and what ‘value’ can we add. What role have science communicators had in global events like COVID-19 - what can we learn and where should we focus our efforts in the future? What do work and jobs in ‘science communication’ look like in the future? Who are the employers?
- Society: Aberdeen’s history is entwined with that of the oil industry but it is now in a period of transition towards a cleaner, greener economy. The broader question relates to how societal transitions are linked with science communication? How do we acknowledge this societal transition in the context of the PCST Network at the 2025 conference?
In reaction to these points, the discussion in the room expanded on the following areas:
Science communicators were not heard during the pandemic but this may relate to how each of us defines ourselves. Science communicators who are behind the scenes and they were present - their faces might not have been present but their work was.
Should the non-public-facing professionals be public? A move from tradition to transition?
How are we anticipating the next crisis and are we (science communicators) in this discussion already?