| Abstract: |
Worldwide, it is clear from research and practice that science and society are intertwined in complex and multiple ways. In this complex context, access to high-quality information can be considered vital since the way citizens encounter scientific information matters (e.g. Dunwoody, 2020). Researchers, and also journalists are key actors in this communication process. Traditionally, researchers produce scientific knowledge while science journalists’ role is to deliver scientific information to a wider audience. While trust in scientists is still high as has recently been confirmed, the past years, however, have seen several changes affecting roles of scientists in the public domain. Scientific knowledge, although playing an important role in emerging technologies such as climate change and the energy transition, nanotechnology or AI, is increasingly challenged. Fake news, misinformation and disinformation dispute scientific outcomes affecting decision-making. In particular, with regard to topics on the boundaries between science and society, such as vaccination, climate change and artificial intelligence, it is highly important to better understand the developments and what those mean for the positions of scientists as key actors and their traditional role as expert in the public domain. In this presentation, after elaborating the changing context, findings from various research projects will be discussed analysing the changing role of scientists and journalists. Conclusions will deliberate what is scientists can do in their new roles with regard to science communication and participation (Marín-Gonzalez, Navalhas, Dijkstra, De Jong and Luís, 2023). |
