Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a key challenge has come to the fore: science-related issues has proven to be a delicate task.
Most of the time, people struggle in grasping the complexity of the presented matters, , which may unfortunately lead to a sense of frustration and the emergence of simplistic and unscientific theories. Finally, it is to be hoped that journalists and communicators who need to inform on these topics will find the new tools and networks created for helping to help them in their daily work beneficial.
COALESCE indeed is a European-funded project that aims to provide communicators and journalists with the necessary tools to effectively deliver key scientific information to the public.
Moreover, the project promotes the European Competence Centre for Science Communicators, a virtual platform founded on regional and national hubs. It is designed to consolidate knowledge on science communication generated at European level and beyond, in order to set shared standards globally.
The project has also developed a document for non-scientific communicators that approach these themes, summing up the most relevant aspects that need to be taken into consideration.
The Guidelines for non science journalists in times of crisis are meant to be an open access tool able to support generalist journalists that are not used to communicating scientific topics.
Several suggestions based on experience are enlisted in the Guidelines, such as the importance of proper framing and explicitly addressing the complexity and the uncertainty of science. These tips can help and promote a sense of transparency. It is crucial in building trust in the audience, that is by far the most essential aspect to foster today.
If you want to be engaged in mutual learning, co-creation activities, and training, you can enter the COALESCE Community of Practice.
If you want to find out more about the project, follow the Envi.info channels, there will be interesting news soon!