Perceptions, challenges and motivations of scientists regarding public science communication

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15847/obsOBS19320252641

Abstract

This article presents the results of empirical research, aiming to understand the involvement between scientists and society in general. The objective was to analyze the perceptions of researchers from different areas of knowledge regarding the challenges and motivations for publicly communicating scientific and technological knowledge. The starting question focused on understanding how scientists understand this type of communication and whether they take actions to improve the population's perception of science and technology. A survey was conducted between September and December 2024 among 110 researchers from research and higher education institutions, from different areas of knowledge, and in different Brazilian regions. The findings suggest that researchers' engagement in science communication is not solely driven by individual attitudes but is significantly influenced by institutional structures, incentive systems, and the legitimation of communication as a core academic activity. The rise of digital platforms and the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the critical need for enhanced public engagement, advocating for more active and dialogical forms of scientific participation in policymaking. Consequently, researchers assume a dual role as both educators and trust-builders within academic and research institutions.

Author Biographies

Maria Giovanna Guedes Farias, Departament of Information Science, Federal University of Ceará

CNPq Research Productivity Scholarship - (PQ 2). She is currently the coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Information Science and a professor in the Department of Information Science at the Federal University of Ceará. Permanent professor of the doctorate program of the PPGCI at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). PhD in Information Science from the Postgraduate Program in Information Science at the Federal University of Bahia (PPGCI/UFBA), with a sandwich period at the Università della Calabria (Unical) in Italy, sponsored by Capes. Master in Information Science from the Postgraduate Program in Information Science at the Federal University of Paraíba (PPGCI/UFPB). Graduated in Social Communication (Major: Journalism) from the State University of Paraíba (UEPB). Specialization course in Marketing and New Media promoted by the Umweltzentrum des Handwerkskammer Trier - Germany. Leader of the Research Group Competence and Mediation in Information Environments (CMAI/UFC). Member of the Research Group Center for Studies in Mediation, Appropriation and Management of Information and Knowledge/UFS. Currently researching the themes of scientific communication and dissemination, popularization of science, scientific publishing and scientific observatories. Founder and editor-in-chief of the journal Informação em Pauta of DCINF/PPGCI/UFC (2015-2020). Member of the working group for the implementation and execution of the UFC Research Data Repository. Coordinator, together with Professor Gabriela Belmont, of the CMAI Seminar and CMAI Connection. Participates in the agreement to combat disinformation of the CMAI/UFC Research Group of the Federal Supreme Court. Coordinates the Scientific Observatory of UFC. Representative of the Center for Humanities on the Council for Teaching, Research and Extension (CEPE/UFC), in the biennium 2023-2025. Producer of the Falando Ciência Program of the Rádio Universitária FM of the Federal University of Ceará. Member of the Executive Committee of the UFC Periodicals Portal. It has cooperation with the University of Vechta in Germany and the University of Ferrara in Italy.

Andrea Rubin, Departament of Humanities, University of Ferrara

Andrea Rubin, PhD in Sociology, Organization, Cultures, is a Researcher with a Fixed Term of Type A (RTD-A) in Sociology (SPS/07) at the Department of Humanities of the University of Ferrara. His main research interests concern science and technology studies (STS), public perception and public communication of science, citizen engagement in the governance of science and innovation. Specialized in science communication, he is part of the research board of Observa Science in Society for which he has followed various international projects and edited three editions of the Yearbook Science Technology and Society (Il Mulino).

Hermógenes David de Oliveira, Federal University of Ceara

Doutor in Biochemistry for the Federal University of Ceará, where he is now Associate Professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is a professor of biotechnology where he administers the disciplines of scientific dissemination, enzymology, metabolic engineering and applied biotechnology to human health. He is a permanent member of the UFC's Post-Graduation and Biochemistry Program, orienting students on training, training and, in addition, carrying out post-training supervision. He is currently one of the investigators of the Medicinal Chemical Laboratory of the Pharmaceutical Núcleo e Desenvolvimento de Medicamentos - NPDM from UFC to develop investigations into the area of ​​biotechnological applications of plant proteins in human health and industry. He acts as a scientific communicator and influencer of science, preparing citizens to assimilate knowledge and quality information, exploring their critical thinking and, consequently, establishing a truly democratic society.

Downloads

Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Farias, M. G. G., Rubin, A., & Oliveira, H. D. de. (2025). Perceptions, challenges and motivations of scientists regarding public science communication. Observatorio (OBS*), 19(3). https://doi.org/10.15847/obsOBS19320252641

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Giovanna Guedes Farias, Andrea Rubin, Hermógenes David de Oliveira

This is an Open Acess article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, sharing and adaptation, provided appropriate credit is given to the original author and the journal.