Background
In light of recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate emergency, there has never been a more critical time to ensure the effectiveness of, and best practices in science communication. The spread of misinformation highlights the persistent gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. This divide undermines policy responses and exacerbates distrust among citizens.
Objectives
COALESCE aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding by establishing and mainstreaming a European Competence Centre for Science Communication. The centre will build upon existing excellence in science communication, public engagement, and co-creation practices to define and provide training on a clear set of practices and competencies for stakeholders and science communicators, both within Europe and globally.
The project aims to co-create:
- A self-sustaining European Competence Centre for Science Communication
- Criteria of excellence for the centre, to achieve high-quality, evidence-based, interdisciplinary science communication that targets policy, industry, academia, and citizens
- A network of national and regional hubs and communities of knowledge and practice
- Mechanisms for rapid mobilisation of science communication in times of crisis, while fighting misinformation, and engendering trust in science
- Resources such as toolkits, handbooks, and training opportunities to facilitate mutual learning through the newly developed COALESCE Science Communication Academy
Approach
The COALESCE project will build upon the evidenced-based practices of previous science communication projects, like the Athena Institute's RETHINK project, to define, promote, and evaluate science communication best practices within Europe and beyond. In this, we will collaborate with scientific and journalist networks, as well as university alliances to ensure the measurable and sustainable long-term impact of the European Competence Centre for Science Communication.
Athena’s role
The Athena Institute is involved in consolidating the knowledge of previous science communication practices and in co-designing and testing a roadmap and action plan for science communication in times of crisis.