In a world of information overload, how does one find reliable information? Science is supposed to be the answer to our society's complicated challenges. However, as the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted, not understanding what is fake news, misinformation or what is fact may lead to widespread public mistrust, or turn science into fuel for conspiracy theories or propaganda. Scientific findings are prone to change, making it difficult to effectively communicate them to the public. This fosters broad public skepticism towards major institutions, from the government to media to science. So, how can we communicate science effectively? And how can we rebuild trust in science? As a result, it is critical that we reconsider our science communication practices to recover public trust.
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Science Communication: Communicating Trustworthy Information in the Digital World
Instructors: Jason H. Pridmore
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What you'll learn
Learn about the best practices for effective science communication
Understand how different stakeholders (policymakers, scientists, journalists) approach science communication
Learn about the advantages and drawbacks of communicating science in digital media and their implications for public trust.
Develop hands-on skills using tools and resources to evaluate information in digital media.
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There are 8 modules in this course
Welcome to the course! In this module, you will learn about the importance and relevance of effective science communication in the digital world. We will outline various topics and important concepts that will be discussed in the next modules.
What's included
1 video
In this module, you will explore the effects of digital media on science communication and the implications on social trust.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
In the age of misinformation and fake news, there seems to be a public outcry for ‘trust in science’. This module shows you how social scientists produce knowledge and what challenges they face in communicating science.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment
In this module, you will learn how journalists combat threats like fake news or misinformation. We also discuss how they ensure and navigate responsible and reliable reporting in today’s world.
What's included
4 videos1 discussion prompt
Policymakers make decisions in light of competing opinions on scientific issues. But what should they do to maintain public trust? In this module, you will explore evidence-based policymaking and the crucial role of science communication in the process.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
Digital media go hand in hand with misinformation. Why is that? In this module, you will learn how digital media facilitate the spread of (mis)information but also provide the tools to combat it.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
As a science communicator, you need to take in mind your audiences’ needs and characteristics to effectively get your messages across. This module will help you understand how people interpret scientific knowledge. Additionally, we look at strategies to engage citizens with science communication.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 discussion prompt
You are getting to the end of the course. Let’s reflect on your learnings in the previous modules and identify best scientific communication practices we discussed.
What's included
1 video1 discussion prompt
Instructors
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Governance and Society
Politecnico di Milano
Imperial College London
Dartmouth College
Politecnico di Milano
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