Scope

The principal aim of GlobalSCAPE is to generate a detailed picture of science communication in a global context. Recent research focused on taking stock and re-examining the role of science communication has concentrated primarily on science communication in Europe and the western world.

The experiences of science communication professionals in these regions have traditionally been under-represented. GlobalSCAPE will ensure that a full and accurate picture of global science communication can be established.

GlobalSCAPE expands outwards from this to take stock of the lesser-heard voices: the science communicators working in non-western countries and in regions where taking stock of science communication is particularly difficult.

The approach

The landscape and modes of science communication are changing. This is, in large measure, the result of advances in digital communication in combination with ready and widespread access to smart devices.

The central component to the methodology implements a large-scale programme of automated diary studies to gather perspectives of science communication professionals. Those perspectives and variations will be mapped over time, providing a powerful tool for analysis.

In its methodology, GlobalSCAPE builds on the very technologies that are changing this landscape. It exploits the global ubiquity of smart devices to implement an innovative and large-scale programme of data collection through the use of state-of-the-art methods in automated diary studies and draws on the expertise of a multi-disciplinary and international team of partners.

Outputs

GlobalSCAPE will produce an academic module on science communication. This multidisciplinary course will try to strengthen the relationship between science and society. The module will be tested in Trinity College Dublin and ULeiden and will be available as an open educational resource to be shared and adapted by any university.

GlobalSCAPE will produce a workshop format and resources for science communication professionals to help increase knowledge about science communication at international, EU, and member state levels.

The project is currently delivering series of workshops that offer an introduction to science communication as well as provide professional development and networking opportunities. The first workshops have been delivered online, in-person training workshops will be postponed to the second half of 2022.

In order to open participation in these workshops to the largest audience possible, GlobalSCAPE will implement a mobility scheme: The aim of this initiative is to help science communication professionals from less developed countries, especially those lacking in resources, to participate. 

More than writing a standard end-of-project report, GlobalSCAPE plan to co-create with different actors an open-access white paper designed to create European policy recommendations on science communication. This addresses the growing international focus on government level policies to support science and how it is communicated.