Scientists need professional development to practice meaningful public engagement

Autor: Kathryn A. Stofer, David Hanson, Kirsten Hecht
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Responsible Innovation, Vol 10, Iss 1 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 23299460
2329-9037
2329-9460
DOI: 10.1080/23299460.2022.2127672
Popis: ABSTRACTPublic engagement with science is emerging in research and practice, but most research focuses on perspectives of and/or outcomes for public communities, not scientists. However, multi-way communication and mutual learning among community members and scientists are key features defining public engagement of science. In this perspectives article, focused on three studies of scientists' experiences, we identified areas needing improvement to achieve meaningful community engagement. In the first study, university researchers' self-reflections show mismatches in power dynamics with their participants, potentially limiting the mutuality of the exchange. In a second study, we found even herpetologists with extensive engagement experience rarely considered evaluating their activities. Finally, scientists who have gone through professional development in communication and/ or education may still have mismatches between their professed understanding of true engagement and their actions during engagement. We conclude with recommendations for scientist professional development to move toward truly inclusive (in all senses) science engagement.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals