Communication: A Responsibility of All Scientists

In this SciDev.Net editorial, Director David Dickinson discusses the ethical question of scientist responsibility to publicly discuss the social implications of his or her research. The author suggests "agreement has grown that all scientists have a responsibility to ensure that the results of their research are effectively communicated to society at large. This commitment is reflected in a potentially influential draft set of guidelines drawn up by the Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science, of the International Council for Science (ICSU).

An advisory note from the committee is being circulated for comment among ICSU member organisations. It describes both the opportunities and threats to effectively communicating contemporary science using electronic media, and underlines the challenge of how to convey the complexities and uncertainties. It emphasizes the need for better public understanding of how science is carried out, including the importance of the peer review process. And it calls for training in communications to be made a key component of science education. Draft guidelines on how good communication can be achieved suggest that scientists need to be realistic when estimating the importance, implications and impact of scientific research, and should avoid both alarmism and complacency when commenting on public emergencies. Finally, the committee stresses that communication is a two-way process: scientists should not only present their findings, but also be prepared to take into consideration the public's needs and views."

The author recognises the need for both personal and institutional commitments to ensure that communication works in the interests of both scientists and the media. "As the ICSU statement puts it, 'the science community has an obligation to assist the media, whilst recognizing the independence of both parties'. For scientists, this can involve overcoming negative feelings about interacting with journalists... It also means taking the necessary steps to make this interaction work, such as learning to use jargon-free language. Just as importantly, scientific institutions must make the financial and policy commitments required to enable effective communication."

According to the author: "...Our [the SciDev.Net website] principal mission is to stimulate better communication between the scientific community, decision makers and the broader society to ensure wider and more informed uptake of scientific findings.... What is new in the broader context, however, is the apparent willingness of the scientific community to acknowledge that stimulating good science communication is not a voluntary add-on to, but an integral part of, the responsibilities of scientists.... [Some] form of commitment to communication by all researchers - such as agreement to work within guidelines based on those drafted by the ICSU committee, backed by an appropriate level of institutional support - would be an important step forward."