Font Size: a A A

Study On Theories And Practices About Scientists' Participation In Science Communication

Posted on:2021-04-24Degree:DoctorType:Dissertation
Country:ChinaCandidate:S M LiFull Text:PDF
GTID:1368330602996310Subject:Philosophy of science and technology
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
Science popularization is as important as science and technology(S&T)innovation.As one of the countries in which popularization of science is most valued in the world,the effectiveness of science popularization work and the scientific literacy of citizens still have a large gap with developed countries in China.One of the important influencing factors is the inadequacy of scientists' participating in science communication.It has important theoretical and practical significance for inspiring scientific literacy in China to recognize the significance of scientists' role in science communication,learn from the practical experience of developed countries,investigate the current situation and problems of scientists' scientific communication activities in China,and put forward constructive opinions on this basis.The related theoretical issues of scientists participating in science communication is discussed in the thesis.The research shows that the rapid development of contemporary S&T and the increasingly rapid and widespread impact of S&T on economic and social development,put forward higher requirements for scientists to participate in science communication.In particular,the development of contemporary high-tech has great uncertainty and brings many risks to people's lives.It has reconstructed the relationship between scientists and the public.The focus of science communication has gradually changed from "ready-made-science" to"science-in-the-making",so that scientists are required to participate in scientific communication with greater efforts,which also poses new challenges for scientists to participate in scientific communication.Controversial events such as genetic modification and mad cow disease have strengthened people 's distrust of S&T and scientists.Under the situation of new media development,the power of traditional media has been weakened.The spread of new media has also brought about more fake news and news bubble.The social image of the scientist also tends to be complicated and diversified.Starting from the post-truth theory,STS's thoughts on democratization of science and other related ideas,the thesis believes that public understanding of science,public participation in science,and scientists' participation in science communication are closely linked.As "science-in-the-making" becomes an important object of science communication,the traditional boundaries of science,technology,society,and culture are increasingly blurred.It is necessary to strengthen equal communication between scientists and the public,the media,and decision makers,and to rebuild public understanding and trust in contemporary science.This thesis takes European and American countries as the main objects and studies the status and typical cases of foreign scientists participating in science communication.Research shows that with the development of the public understanding science movement for more than 30 years,the important role of scientists in scientific communication has been given full attention,and promoting the participation of scientists in scientific communication has gradually become an important public policy,and scientists are encouraged to talk to social actors outside the scientific community.This is mainly reflected in the practice and related policies of national governments,research committees,higher education institutions,other academic organizations(such as the Royal Society,the Wellcome Trust,etc.),and policy bodies such as the European Commission to promote scientists to participate in science communication.At the same time,the thesis systematically investigates the status and problems of scientists participating in science communication in Europe and other countries,as well as the training of scientists participating in science communication.It reveals the relevant enlightenment to promote the participation of Chinese scientists in scientific communication.In view of the current situation and problems of Chinese scientists' participation in scientific communication,this study carries on a random sampling questionnaire survey which takes scientists in Chinese scientific institutions and universities as the subject.The survey suggests that Chinese scientists have a strong willingness to participate in science popularization,which is closely related to the practice of promoting the Essentials of the National Action Plan for Scientific Literacy(2006-2020)since 2006.However,there are still many problems and obstacles for Chinese scientists to participate in scientific communication.The main ones are:1)Scientists don't pay enough attention on the communication of science with uncertainty(and science-in-the-making),and they lack of capacity to do so.2)Scientists' participation in science communication has great constraints on time and energy;3)Lack of incentive mechanism for scientists' participation in science communication;4)Need to strengthen training and guidance for scientists'participation in science communication.Comparing the different status quo of the participation of Chinese and British scientists in science communication,the thesis explores the main factors influencing the participation of Chinese scientists in scientific communication from many aspects,such as the widespread impact of traditional scientific views,the lack of institutional incentives for scientists to participate in scientific communication,and the insufficient capacity,insufficient motivation for social participation,lack of dialogue mechanism,etc.On the basis of theoretical research,comparative analysis and empirical investigation,some suggestions are put forward to promote the participation of scientists in science communication.In particular,the thesis emphasizes the need to constantly update the conception of science,sorts out the views of science which are consistent with the characteristics of contemporary scientific development,and strengthen communication and dialogue on uncertain scientific issues.It is necessary to establish a diverse incentive mechanism for scientists to participate in science communication,to equip scientists with communication abilities,to advocate the concept of responsible science communication,and rebuild society's trust in science and scientists.
Keywords/Search Tags:Scientist, Science Communication, Participation, Policy, STS
PDF Full Text Request
Related items