Scientific Knowledge

Science shapes our world, but scientific understanding may often seem out of reach to those without a scientific background. We now know that people are more likely to engage with science when they share a cultural background with the messenger - the scientist - yet 81% of Americans cannot name a living scientist, let alone identify a scientist that looks like them. In 2018, the National

Science is under attack in some quarters. Vaccine and climate change skeptics, for example, argue that scientists misrepresent the threat posed by particular technologies. Others question whether science does more harm than good, altogether. One of the most common beliefs about anti-science attitudes is that they reflect ignorance or inexperience with science. The assumption is that increasing

By Tobias Füchslin Citizen science projects invite people to become “citizen scientists” and contribute to scientific research. This contribution can range from classifying galaxies online and collecting plant specimens out-side all the way to initiating and running community-based research projects together with scientists. Citizen science not only enables researchers to realise large-scale

By Raquel Bertoldo & Claire Mays Across the globe, the past four years are the warmest on record; June and July 2019 are the hottest in recorded history. The climate crisis is a given; that it is anthropogenic is equally clear. Scientists agree on this, and the 2013 study quantifying the consensus in the scientific literature at 97% (its lead author says the consensus continues to grow) has

SciPublic Infographic di CR

By Massimiano Bucchi A studio in Tuscany, late afternoon. Dad enters the room. Hi son. I just dropped by to say hello, but I can see you’re working. What are you up to? Well you know, I have been the editor of a journal, ‘Public Understanding of Science’. It’s been 3 years – I’ve told you quite a few times now. ‘Public Understanding of Science’? Good for you. There’s so much need for public

By Stefanie Walter Scientists use Twitter to talk to other scientists, but communication beyond the scientific community is also important. How scientists talk to these groups differs systematically and suggests a strategic language use. Academic Twitter is popular among scholars. Scientists use Twitter to talk about their work, their success and the challenges they are facing. They share