‘By leveraging diverse communication channels and tailoring messages to different audiences, science communicators can ensure that scientific knowledge reaches every corner of the nation’
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Many of us have heard the story of Sir Isaac Newton discovering the laws of gravity and motion, which are almost a part of global folklore. Because we know that a falling apple helped him unpack the theory of gravitation, we have a reasonable understanding of and trust in the concept of gravity. This has been fundamental to humanity’s development in physics and science.
Our understanding and trust in science is key to our progress. Across multiple thematic areas, from drug discovery and vaccine development, space exploration and Artificial Intelligence, genomics and bio-engineering, and medical research and food security, our collective progress is a function of how well we can leverage and enhance our scientific knowledge to create better solutions. As the adage goes: ‘to boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before!’
A pivotal role
Science communication serves as a vital bridge, linking scientific knowledge with the wider public audience and building our trust in science. By disseminating scientific knowledge and new breakthroughs in an accessible and engaging manner, science communicators can empower citizens, inspire innovation, and expand possibilities for the future.
Take a few use cases. First, effective science communication is paramount to promoting public health. By educating the public about health risks, preventive measures, and available treatments, science communicators can help reduce the incidence of diseases and improve overall health outcomes. In a country such as India, where communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and dengue fever tend to spread fast, and there is an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (such as cancer and diabetes), clear and accurate health communication can enable citizens to focus on preventive health and wellness to make us more efficient and productive.
Second, communicating clearly about dynamic new developments (such as in biotechnology or Artificial Intelligence) can open new avenues for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and new businesses. When people understand these emerging new opportunities, they are more than willing to experiment with them to set up new ventures. This has the potential to further open new lines of businesses, sometimes even setting up entirely new industry sectors.
Third, science communication can help foster a culture of scientific literacy and innovation, inspiring students and youth to learn and research more in these streams of knowledge. An institutionalised culture of curiosity can further inspire new streams of education and learning and open new vistas for humanity’s progress.
One example of science communication driving economic progress is the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Through effective public communication, ISRO has garnered widespread support and international recognition for its space missions, such as Mangalyaan (Mars mission) and Chandrayaan (moon mission). These achievements have not only boosted national pride but have also attracted investments in the space sector and allied industries.
Global examples also highlight the impact of science communication on development. The ‘Science for Africa’ initiative has successfully engaged communities on sustainable agriculture, health, and technology, leading to improved livelihoods and development outcomes. In the United States, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has effectively communicated its scientific endeavours, leading to increased funding, public support, and economic benefits from space exploration technologies. In Germany, ‘Science Year’ campaigns have promoted public engagement with science and technology, driving innovation and economic growth.
Underprioritised in India’s education system
Unfortunately, however, science education in India does not prioritise science communication. So, scientific advancements might not always translate into progress opportunities, since they are not adequately and relayed on time to the wider public.
Among other challenges, this has the potential to lead to: a lack of knowledge, understanding and trust in new and emerging science-based innovations and solutions; the spread of incorrect perceptions and beliefs, which lack robust evidence, and can potentially lead to incorrect or even harmful behaviour by individuals and communities; the promotion of policies and decision making that are not supported by accepted science which can have negative consequences for the broader society, and also acceptance of false claims, assumptions and misinformation as facts and truth.
In today’s fast paced social media-led and information-saturated world, such a lack of trust or the emergence of misinformation can cause immediate harm. It also has significant long-term consequences on health and the growth of countries at large.
Communicators must lead the way
The onus of leading institutionalised mechanisms to address these challenges will need to come from science communicators themselves — who can also inform and engage the wider public on these new discoveries, innovations and their true potential for the world at large. By enhancing public knowledge through clear and accurate information, driving development by fostering scientific literacy, and stimulating economic progress through innovation and investment, science communication can serve as a key catalyst for positive change.
By leveraging diverse communication channels and tailoring messages to different audiences, science communicators can ensure that scientific knowledge reaches every corner of the nation, fostering an informed and empowered citizenry. In doing so, they can play a crucial role in shaping India’s journey towards a healthier, more developed, and economically prosperous future.
Pooja Sehgal leads Health and Nutrition Communications at the Gates Foundation’s India office. Shirshendu Mukherjee is the Managing Director for Wadhwani Innovation Network, Wadhwani Foundation. The views expressed are personal
Published – February 28, 2025 03:32 pm IST