Post by Science in Dialogue VU

💬 What role(s) should a scientist take when communicating their work? Session 2 of the SciCom Lab explored this question through strategic science communication. We explored the different roles communicating scientists can take - from focusing purely on knowledge advancement, to answering technical questions, to facilitating policy options, to advocating for specific solutions. Each position carries different assumptions about neutrality, influence, and the relationship between science and society. We worked through these ideas using persona case studies, and now participants are applying these concepts to their own research contexts - developing strategic communication plans that align goal, publics, tone, and format. The shift from "I need to explain my research" to "what specific change am I trying to create, and with whom?" Nicola Case, PhD Lars de Graaff Joyce Burger Loeka Jongejans Stella Verkijk Wieneke Mokkink Miranda Houtman Dr. Sofia Gil-Clavel Sem Barendse Kaelin DeLong Frank Kupper Amy Moses