Re-imagining Science Communication: The Role of Cultural Humility in Ethical Practices

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Thursday, May 29, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Parallel Session G: 5
Chair: Ana Claudia Nepote

A recent move in science communication is to conceptualize it as a cultural practice, which emphasizes meaning-making and identity formation within diverse cultural contexts (Davies & Horst, 2016). In parallel, there is a growing acknowledgment that attention is needed to address broader social and ethical challenges, such as cultural relevance, inclusivity, and social justice (Baxter, 2021; Dawson et al., 2024). Bringing these two strands together leads us to ask how to act ethically and justly with relation to culture in science communication. While a standard approach has been to call on cultural competence, we build on others to argue that we need to go beyond that and that the integration of cultural humility—achieved through continuous self-reflection and the addressing of power imbalances (Tervalon & Garcia 1998, pp.118)—is essential for reimagining science communication through the lens of social justice, and ensuring that it not only informs but also empowers diverse global communities. In this talk, we advocate for the systematic integration of cultural humility into all facets of science communication, arguing it is a crucial step for ethically engaging with and reflecting the complexities of the societies it aims to serve.

Conference

ConferenceThe 18th International Conference of the Public Communication of Science and Technology Network 2025
Abbreviated titlePCST 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityAberdeen
Period27/05/2529/05/25
OtherThe University of Aberdeen is delighted to be able to invite you to attend the 18th international conference of the Public Communication of Science and Technology network (PCST 2025). The conference theme will seek to explore transitions (change versus stability), traditions (the old, current and the new) and tensions (dispute versus consensus) that influence all of our work as science communicators.

In this context of our climate emergency, of global health imperatives, such as food and water security, and poverty alleviation PCST will come together in 2025 to discuss science communication can and should be used to positive effect in our changing world.
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