Science is increasingly featured in the media, and in recent years there has been a significant investment in the development of science visitor attractions, science-related media campaigns and science festivals, to involve more of the public in science.
Science communication and outreach broadly describes the practice of communicating science-related topics to wider and non-expert audiences. This might include young people, politicians, journalists, education professionals and so on.
Public Engagement: aims to engage the general public in two-way scientific conversations, usually about shared issues and problems, for society’s benefit
Outreach: activities such as public lectures, activities and workshops to encourage the public understanding of science and scientific research. This also includes work done by universities, professional bodies and other organizations to encourage young people to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects
Research Communication: Research Communications and Science Communications Officers and Managers are often found in universities and in scientific (and other) organizations. Work focuses on communicating the importance of and findings of research to the public and other external audiences; in organizations, work may also include developing communications campaigns to recruit new supporters as well as media and PR activities
At the Academy
In pursuit of raising public awareness of the transformative role of science, technology and innovation in every aspect of today’s life, and fostering the appreciation of science in society especially amongst youth, the Academy will undertake a multifaceted science communication and outreach program. Aspects of this program will be carried out by the scientific societies. It is postulated that Palestinian universities will play a significant role in this context, especially as an expression of their community service programs.
The program comprises the following components:
Program responsibilities include:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of public engagement and its benefits.
- Training scientists to communicate with non-scientific audiences and building capacity for conducting public engagement with science activities.
- Conducting analyses and studies, and developing standards
- Coordination among concerned people or organizations and sharing of ideas
- Arranging training locally or abroad on needed skills such as: (Excellent communication and presentation skills; enthusiasm for science and for inspiring this enthusiasm in others; event organization; ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way; critical evaluation; determination and resilience in seeking out experience and opportunities).
- Supporting implementation by others.
- Hosting speakers and scientists.
- Monitoring and ensuring quality and regularity.
The Academy recognizes the large leaps and established efforts by Palestinian and International organizations in this regard, and seeks to support, expand and partner with these institutions’ science outreach programs
- Universities, and their various science clubs & initiatives at Universities
- Scientists 4 Palestine
- A. M. Qattan Foundation, Science Studio
- Al Nayzak Organization
