SciComm Corner

Over the past few decades, the pace at which animal species are becoming extinct has accelerated considerably. Estimates by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggest that over 16,000 animal species are now at risk, while in 2007 the red list of endangered animals included 7,851 species.

While there have been numerous efforts to improve the quality of life of people with sensory impairments, there are still many instances in which visual or hearing impairments can limit one’s experiences. This includes the communication of information online or through other media platforms.

In an age marked by fake news and sensationalist media communication, ensuring that accurate scientific information reaches the public is of utmost importance. The detrimental effects of inaccurate science communication have become particularly obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic, as countless individuals worldwide turned to the Internet to find out more about how fast the virus was spreading and what they could do to avoid contact with it.

For over a year-and-a-half, countries worldwide have been trying to manage the outbreak of COVID-19. The ongoing pandemic came as a surprise for most people. In many ways, the virus reminded us of just how powerful and unpredictable nature can be.

One trait that scientists and children share is their innate curiosity, and science and curiosity go hand in hand. But, unlike scientists, children aren’t immersed in scientific research.

There are countless ways in which journalists, media agencies, and educators can communicate science to both expert and non-expert audiences. Some of these ways are more conventional, for instance involving the use of scientific texts, such as books, articles or press releases. Others are more sophisticated and employ technological tools, such as video-making software, digital media, online platforms, and more recently also augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR).