Abstract
Public understanding of science as a top-down model is slowly being replaced by dialogue and direct contacts between scientists and the public. More often than in the past, research funding organisations demand that communication plans, including plans to communicate with the public, are part of project proposals. The chapter examines how these changes have been reflected in recent public science events. Scientists’ public participation forms the basis not only for direct dialogue, but also for trust and an opportunity to ‘negotiate’ what is presented. Science events, such as science festivals and science cafés, have proven to be excellent meeting places. They are ‘neutral ground’, on which people do not have to go out of their way to approach science. Many activities demonstrating basic science can be categorized as ‘science is fun’, but the challenge is to find formats and presenters for ‘new’ science (that is, ongoing or recently finished research projects). The author evaluates recent science events, particularly for their success in attracting young people, and examines the importance of venue selection.
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Riise, J. (2008). Bringing Science to the Public. In: Cheng, D., Claessens, M., Gascoigne, T., Metcalfe, J., Schiele, B., Shi, S. (eds) Communicating Science in Social Contexts. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8598-7_18
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8598-7_18
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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