‘By taking advantage of various communication channels and sewing messages to various audiences, science communicators can ensure that scientific knowledge reaches every corner of the nation’. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Many of us have discovered Sir Isaac Newton’s story of gravity and motion rules, which are almost a part of global folklore. Because we know that a falling apple helped him unpack the principle of gravity, we have a proper understanding and belief in the concept of gravity. It has been fundamental for the development of humanity in physics and science.
Our understanding and trust in science is important for our progress. Drug discovery and vaccine development, space exploration and artificial intelligence, genomics and bio-engineering, and medical research and food security, in many thematic fields, our collective progress is a task of our collective progress how well we can take and increase our scientific knowledge to create a better solution. As the saying is: ‘To go boldly where no man (or female) has gone before!’
an important role
Science communication acts as an important bridge, combining scientific knowledge with comprehensive public audiences and creates our belief in science. By spreading scientific knowledge and new successes in an accessible and attractive way, science communicators can empower citizens, inspire innovation, and expand possibilities for the future.
Take some use cases. First, effective science communication is paramount to promote public health. By educating the public about health risks, preventive measures and available treatments, science communicators can help reduce the events of diseases and improve overall health results. In a country like India, where communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and dengue fever spread rapidly, and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (such as cancer and diabetes), clear and accurate health communications can enable citizens to focus on preventive health and welfare.
Second, clearly communicating about dynamic new development (such as biotechnology or artificial intelligence) can open new paths for entrepreneurs, start-ups and new businesses. When people understand these emerging new opportunities, they are ready to experiment with them to establish new ventures. It has the ability to open new lines of businesses, sometimes establishing a completely new industry sectors.
Third, science communication can help promote the culture of scientific literacy and innovation, motivating students and youth to learn and do more in these streams of knowledge. An institutional culture of curiosity can inspire new streams of education and learning and can open new vista for the progress of humanity.
Science communication driving is an example of economic progress Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Through effective public communication, ISRO has gained widespread support and international recognition such as its space missions, such as Mangalayan (Mars Mission) and Chandrayaan (Moon Mission). These achievements have not only promoted national pride, but have also attracted investment in space sector and allied industries.
Global examples also highlight the impact of science communication on development. The ‘Science for Africa’ initiative has successfully attached communities on permanent agriculture, health and technology, which has improved livelihood and development results. In the United States, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has effectively communicated its scientific efforts, leading to funding, public support and economic gains from space investigation technologies. In Germany, the ‘science year’ campaigns have promoted public engagement with science and technology, running innovation and economic development.
Less in India’s education system
Unfortunately, however, science education in India does not prefer science communication. Therefore, scientific progress cannot always translate into progress opportunities, as they are not sufficient and are relayed on time to wider public.
Among other challenges, it has the ability to lead: new and emerging science-based innovations and lack of knowledge, understanding and trust; The spread of misconceptions and beliefs, which lacks strong evidence, and possibly can lead to incorrect or harmful behavior by individuals and communities; Promoting policies and decision making that are not supported by accepted science, which can be negative results for comprehensive society, and also accept false claims, perceptions and misinformation as facts and truth.
In today’s fast-paced social media-led and information-preventive world, lack of trust or the emergence of misinformation can cause immediate damage. It also has significant long -term consequences on its health and large -scale growth.
Communications should lead the path
The leading institutional mechanisms leading to these challenges will require themselves to come from science communicators – which can inform and attach to the wider public on these new discoveries, innovations and their actual ability on a large scale. Science communication can serve as a major catalyst for positive changes by increasing development, and stimulating economic progress through innovation and investment by increasing public knowledge through clear and accurate information.
By taking advantage of various communication channels and messages for various audiences, science communicators can ensure that scientific knowledge reaches every corner of the nation, promoting an informed and strong citizenship. In doing so, they can play an important role in shaping India travel to a healthy, more developed and economically rich future.
Pooja leads health and nutritional communication at the India office of Sehgal Gates Foundation. Shirshendu Mukherjee Wadhwani is the Managing Director for the Innovation Network, Wadhwani Foundation. Expressed views are personal
Published – February 28, 2025 03:32 pm IST