NE Science Communicators’ meet held at Gauhati University

NE Science Communicators’ meet held at Gauhati University

MAHABAHU DESK

Department of Communication & Journalism hosted the conference in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar and Pollution Control Board, Assam.

The North East Science Communicators’ Conference got off to a rousing start at Gauhati University on March 16, Thursday.

Inaugurating the conference as Chief Guest, the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University Prof. P. J. Handique stressed upon removing the gap between science and common people. Calling for greater efforts towards building scientific temper in society, he observed, “People nowadays use mobile phones and various devices which are the products of science and technology, yet they do not properly understand the science underlying them”.

Organized jointly by Vigyan Prsasar, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India and Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University in association with Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA), as part of Vigyan Prasar’s countrywide thrust to broaden the base of scientific knowledge in Indian languages for widespread consumption by intended target groups, the two-day conference with seven sessions at Phanidhar Dutta Seminar Hall will brainstorm over various issues related to science communication, popularization and extension (SCoPE) as well as to take stock and identify challanges ahead, particularly  in  Northeast India.

Earlier in his welcome address Dr. Nakul Parashar, Director, Vigyan Prasar said that scientists and media practitioners need an effective bridge between them, so that scientists can correctly and clearly communicate to the people what they are doing. 

In this context, he pointed out that Vigyan Prasar is expanding its SCoPE activities in various Indian languages, because learning science is most effective in one’s mother tongue. Stating the objectives of the conference, Dr. Kinkini Dasgupta Mishra, Scientist F, Vigyan Prasar said that the conference will help to develop an effective communication strategy in different languages of NE region to dissiminate scientific knowledge.

Dr. Jaideep Baruah, Director, Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), emphasized upon developing proper scientific terminologies in various languages of the region so that publication as part of SCoPE activities in these languages become meaningful and productive.

Prof. Arup Kumar Mishra, Chairman, PCBA said that while students are the main strength to ensure the future of Science Communication, they must first learn to work in groups because scientific projects nowadays are vast collaborative efforts.

Dr. Bibhash Choudhury, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Gauhati University lauded the untiring and invisible work of science communicators in transferring actual scientific knowledge to various communities in the region as well as  in removing miscommunication. 

On the first day of the conference, eminent science communicators from across the country discussed various aspects of Science Communication in three sessions. The first  two sessions were conducted by Dr. T.V. Venkateswaran on the topic ‘Journey so far in science communication popularization and its extension (SCoPE) in Indian languages’ followed by third session on the topic ‘science communication efforts in North-East’ conducted by Dr. Joya Chakraborty.

Science communicators across the country discussed the journey of SCoPE

A two-days North East Science Communication Conference was held in the PD Hall of Gauhati University on 16th and 17^th March, 2023. The first session of the conference chaired by Dr. TV Venkateswaran was conducted on the topic “Journey So Far In SCoPE – In Indian Languages”. The session was started with the presentation by Dr. Sahid Rasool from Central University of Kashmir.

In his session, he highlighted various aspect of Science Communication in Kashmiri and Urdu Language. He stated that ‘Despite of many literatures about Science Communication in Kashmiri and Urdu, it lacks the reach compared to the other languages’. He also mentioned about various initiatives of science activities and publications for the promotion of science communication in the particular language.

Following the presentation by Dr. Rassol, Dr. ASKVS Sharma specialized in Kannada language demonstrated “Kutuhali” an initiative for science communication in Kannada language. Under this programme there are several publications, Community Radio, The atrical activities for better promotion and extension of Science Communication among the masses.

The third presentation of the session was conducted by Dr. Laxma Reddy, Retired Faculty of NIT Warangal, who discussed about various facets of Science Communication in Telegu language. He also briefly discussed the journey of SCoPE and related activities through the presentation.

Dr. Abhijit Mule specialized in Marathi Language talked about Marathi Culture and History of Newspapers in Marathi. He started the talk by giving special references to the works and accomplishment of Lalji Singh in the science communication area. Adding to that he highlighted the journey of science communi cation in marathi language.

Following Mule, Shri Shree Kumar discussed about, ‘Ariviyal Palagai”; meaning platform for science, and briefly explained the initiative in a very informative manner. Along with them, Dr. K.S. Baith from Punjab and Dr. Narottam Sahoo of Gujrat Council on Science and Technology joined the session through video conference and described about the journey of SCoPE in their respective languages.

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Here are Write-Ups for the occasion of the North-East Science Communicators’ meet:

Science Communication as Scientific Social Responsibility

By Kingkini  Dasgupta Mishra (Scientist F, Vigyan Prasar, DST)

India has a long history of science, technology and innovation. A large part of numerous efforts to make India scientifically advanced and embed scientific temper in people depends on science communication, popularization, and its extension (SCoPE) of the ecosystem of the country. Numerous examples from the Indian landscape and other developed countries have shown beyond doubt that “taking science to the masses” is equally important as “creating science in the laboratories”.

It is a part of Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR). India with 22 languages approved by the constitution, besides English, Hindi, and numerous other dialects is a kaleidoscope of multi-racial and multi-cultural diaspora.

Naturally, it is imperative that science be communicated in Indian languages and developments of scientific materials in these languages be produced to expedite the development process and reach every nook and corner of the country. The dream of an inclusive society would be a reality only when the message of science and technology percolates down to the grassroots of the country.

To broaden the base of scientific knowledge in Indian languages for widespread consumption by the intended target groups, Vigyan Prasar has launched SCoPE in various Indian languages. 

Based on this background Vigyan Prasar is organizing science communicators conferences across the country. This chapter of the North-East science communicators conference was held at Gauhati University, Assam on the 16th and 17th of March, 2023. The Department of Communication and Journalism, Gauhati University in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar and in association with the Pollution Control Board, Assam has taken the lead in the North-East science communicators’ conference (NESCC).

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim are the eight states that collectively make up North-East India. Along with the difficult geological terrains in the nation, it is also a place of great cultural variety, rich biodiversity, and traditional knowledge, facilitating sustainable living.

On the whole, the challenges and opportunities for science communications are plenty in the North East.

The overall objective of the conference is to enlarge, empower and strengthen the efforts of science communication in the North-eastern region through training, capacity building, and sensitization activities that encompass the whole range of needs and challenges of various stakeholders.

The conference would also aim to encourage grassroots efforts to mainstream science communication and create inclusive communities with equity and equality, identify S&T institutions, and NGOs working in science communication and popularisation by reaching out to all the states of North-East India through various SCoPE activities.

The conference will showcase the science communication efforts made by different organizations and individuals from the North-eastern states to reach out to the youth, students, researchers, science communicators, and writers with enhanced opportunities in science to take it further by popularising it in their communities.

The conference should also discuss and deliberate on the present status, and the challenges and opportunities in communicating and popularising science and prepare a roadmap for strengthening the Science and Technology communication efforts in all the North-eastern States in a concerted manner.

Confronting Anti-Science Sentiments

By Rintu Talukdar (Dept. of Communication & Journalism, GU)

Most people look to specialists for reliable information on science and health. They recognise the extensive education and training that scientists and medical professionals undergo over many years to become experts in their field. They view an MD or PhD as a trustworthy indicator that separates wise counsel from folly or potentially harmful concepts.

Yet, several people don’t always believe doctors and scientists, particularly a loud group on social media. Instead, they see them as elites and representatives of the ruling class. They collaborate with Big Pharma or spread alarmist stories to raise money for their study. Online rumours abound about mad scientists trying to manipulate the populace.

When talking to those who have these views, bragging about one’s scientific credentials can be more detrimental than beneficial. Starting talks from an authoritative perspective may come naturally to those with credentials, but it might make some listeners put up a sceptical guard that obfuscates a helpful exchange.

The default reaction to those who question accepted science or medicine is to reject their worries as illogical: relying on knowledge is common sense.

You don’t contact the fire department if your computer won’t start up. You don’t call a computer technician if your house is on fire. It stands to reason that scientists and doctors are the best people to handle issues related to science and health.

The widespread acceptance of quackery and pseudoscience in today’s intellectual marketplace serves as evidence of people’s propensity to disregard the scientific method in favour of unproven or even dubious goods and services.

This blatant disregard for knowledge is demonstrated by the widespread opposition to vaccination against COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, which has occasionally led to threats and violence against medical professionals. It also emphasizes how critical it is to confront this issue rather than putting it off.

Recognizing that people do not have misgivings about scientists and medical professionals in a vacuum is the key to finding a solution. The healthcare system may have been a terrible experience for some people. Perhaps snide doctors mocked their health worries indignantly.

Some people disagree with what experts say today because they agree with what experts stated yesterday. This is a typical occurrence in science, but to others who are not familiar with these dynamics, it may seem incongruous.

And then there are concerns involving pharmaceutical firms and governments from all around the world that have made grave mistakes in the past, from scandalously causing the opioid epidemic to disseminating conflicting information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

While realising these reasons should not lead you to disregard the biomedical industry or entire professions, doing so should give you the empathy you need to engage doubters in a productive conversation.

According to some researchers, systematic “anti-science” attacks meant to further political goals exacerbate mistrust of professionals. Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of certain politicians and journalists, particularly in the US, who openly criticise conventional science and medicine.

Whether their criticism of knowledge stems from a sincere conviction or is merely a dubious publicity stunt or political manoeuvre, the ultimate consequence is the same: the public becomes perplexed. Simply by being repeated and discussed, unfounded claims acquire an appearance of legitimacy that elevates their proponents at the expense of experts. Many people lack the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to critically analyse the wealth of contradictory information.

Without a knowledge of the factors at play, we cannot stop the flood of anti-science sentiment. Doctors and scientists should approach scepticism of science as a puzzle that has to be solved. Change your approach from preaching to detective work since someone who is dubious of science won’t be convinced by more science. Why did this person turn away from the norm?

What life events gave rise to their unconventional belief? Finding the hints required to comprehend other worldviews allows you to discover crucial information about the origins of these ideas while also showing the scientific sceptic that you respect them enough to want to learn more about them. Compassionate behaviour is a critical first step in changing people’s perceptions of professionals as snooty elitists set on dictating other people’s lives.

In How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie said, “Instead of judging others, let’s try to understand them. That’s much more lucrative and interesting than criticism, and it fosters kindness, toleration, and sympathy.

Credential-related elitism needs to be debunked if we’re going to regain public trust. We all wear a variety of hats, and sometimes the best one to use to support our views is not the one we wear for work. Take attention of his priorities as you listen to a sceptic of science describe his experience. Then, speak not as a professional (such as a scientist or doctor), but rather as a person who holds some of his ideals.

If you’re a parent, a patriot, a hobbyist, or a follower of the same church or political party, for instance, speak as such. A scientist or doctor’s personal side is rarely revealed to the public, therefore demonstrating a more accessible aspect of your own experience is a viable strategy for regaining people’s trust.

Storytelling is a powerful weapon for persuasion, and it works much better when it’s done with emotion. If you’re a scientist, you should build up to a study’s conclusions as though it were an intriguing puzzle. Tell moving tales about your patients if you’re a doctor. Draw attention to the scientific method, which has long been shown to be the most effective approach to discover the truth, despite the fact that it can be messy and that results sometimes conflict.

If you cannot come to an agreement, be careful to control your rage and frustration. Instead, express gratitude for their interest and attentiveness. Remember that one of the main goals is for them to have a favourable encounter with an expert.

It is naive to believe that one or a few encounters will reverse the trend of their scepticism, but there are many sensible scientists and medical sceptics who will be open to debate. Beliefs are like concrete; it typically takes several blows to crack them. Although it can be difficult, it is a wall that should be taken down. Have a positive attitude of deference and courtesy and avoid playing into the idea of an alarmist or dictatorial.

Whether we like it or not, the reason we entered the fields of science and medicine was to better the lives of people, including those who had rejected the status quo. Care for those who have been misinformed and research into social phenomena should affect us in the same way that caring for the sick or studying medical issues do.

When titles, positions, or qualifications fall short, we can still be able to get people to listen if we put more heart than knowledge into our communication.

18-03-2023

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