The role of science communication in international diplomacy

Joan Leach*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to lay out the problems and possibilities for science communication in international diplomacy. The context is Western democracy’s drive for an instrument that makes science accessible for a majority of citizens. What is meant by science communication in this context varies rather widely, from science and technology promotion and marketing activities to science and technology education, and even programs to aid researchers with basic communication skills in their own and other languages. Also included in this cluster of activity are structures aimed at integrating science in the decision-making processes of contemporary democracies, better known as ‘science in society’ programs. Some of these may also take on a ‘citizen science’ fl avour, whereby non-scientists are encouraged to help with data gathering or routine scientifi c work and thus enlarge the population of science-aware citizens (Irwin, 1995). For Western democracies the diffi cult question of public dissent about science and technologies has also meant that surveys of public attitudes to science have abounded and methods of producing consensus proposed. These actions are said to be guided toward improved science communication and public engagement with science.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationScience Diplomacy
Subtitle of host publicationNew Day or False Dawn?
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co
Pages155-169
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9789814440073
ISBN (Print)9789814440066
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes

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