TALKING SCIENCE – BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENTIST AND JOURNALIST

participantThe present public debate about climate change and the challenges it poses to society call for comprehensive science communication. The pitfalls of miscommunication are widely recognized as it has become clear that the public's understanding and interpretation of science plays a pivotal role in the perception of issues that span both science and policy. Scientists naturally feel a responsibility to communicate their knowledge and research findings to an audience beyond the scientific community itself, yet their efforts don't always yield the desired effect, leading to frustration and – in some cases – even withdrawal. Having worked as both a scientist and a science journalist, I would like to share insights from both perspectives that may help improve the communication between researchers and reporters. Rather than place these two professions on opposing sides, I would like to show how they could work together more efficiently. After all, they are working towards a common goal. A deeper understanding of the other's obligations, limitations, demands and strengths will make the process more pleasant and produce better results