While it might be considered a 'stretch goal', one clear aim of science communication is to inspire better understanding of science by policy makers. In most countries, leaders have varied points of view about science, and scientific literacy is not evenly distributed. While we sometimes like to imagine - or hope - that our leaders are informed about the most important issues we face, the truth is rather less inspiring. It's good to educate the public however, it's critical to educate those making decisions. Science education initiatives can also aim to increase public engagement on the most critical issues of our time. The public understanding of science is a good thing in its own right, and plenty of science of communication is produced simply to educate the public about what we know - and don't know - about life, the universe, and everything.* Whatever the merits of this system, the science community needs to communicate in order to continue to justify the investment of their main stakeholders: the public. At the same time, the public communication of this science - that is, the published articles and books - tend to be stuck in academia behind a hugely expensive paywall. To make science more transparentĪs we discuss in our piece on storytelling and the impact of academic research, most basic science is funded by the public. While it's not always a fair fight - too often, misinformation travels the world while the scientific truth is tying its shoe laces - it's a hugely necessary one, for public health and the planet. Why is science communication important? To address urgent issuesĪs we've seen in the pandemic and climate change, communicating science is critical to solving the world's most urgent issues.
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