Facilitator: Robert Inglis, Research Communication Specialist, Founder and Director of Jive Media

Strengthening public understanding of science is key in building a knowledge-based society. Science communication has a vital role to play in orchestrating efforts to achieve this national goal.

The media has critical role to play to spread awareness about the role and importance of science in society. But journalists have the difficult job of translating and processing detailed and complex information provided by scientists. Scientists, on the other hand, have the responsibility of conveying the value of science to the public, but fear being misrepresented. This results in an often strained relationship between these two professions. What would it take to permanently break down the barrier between journalists and scientists? What is it that scientists can/should do when communicating scientific content?

This session seeks to foster trusting relationships between scientists and journalists in the interest of science engagement and public understanding of science and technology.

Katekani Ngobeni, CSIR Senior Researcher; Rusana Philander, Freelance Journalist, Fin24; Chanel Retief, Reporter, Daily Maverick; Zamuxolo Matiwana, SAASTA Youth Journalism Programme; Lebo Tshangela, Journalist, SABC; Tendani Tsedu, Group Manager: CSIR Communication