A graduate course for science communicators: a Mexican approach

Abstract

Within the UNAM (The National Autonomous University of Mexico) there is an institution, the Dirección General de Divulgación de la Ciencia (DGDC) devoted to the popularization of science through different media such as museums, exhibitions, journals, books, radio and TV programs, internet, workshops for children, demos, shows, plays, summer courses and outreach programs. Most of these products and materials are planned, designed and manufactured by a multidisciplinary team of professionals in the DGDC. Some of our most outstanding projects are: the creation and operation of two science museums, UNIVERSUM (on the university campus), and the Museo de la Luz (Museum of Light) in the center of the city, many temporary and traveling exhibitions, museums in other parts of the country and abroad and a monthly publication for young readers called ¿Cómo ves?

Public communication of science in Mexico: Past, present and future of a profession

“…Both generations combined their expertise to develop and teach these courses. In 1995, the UNAM launched the Diplomado en Divulgación de la Ciencia (Science Communication Diploma), a 240-hour course designed with the purpose of providing the required theoretical and practical tools in order to enable graduates to communicate science to the general public (Reynoso-Haynes, 2009). Since that date, this course is offered every year.…”

Communicating Science: A Global Perspective

“…The result was the first specialised course in PCS in Mexico, the Diplomado en Divulgación de la Ciencia [Science Communication Diploma], offered every year since 1995. This 240-hour course was designed with the purpose of providing the required theoretical and practical tools to enable graduates to communicate science to the general public(Reynoso-Haynes, 2009). The demand for this course increases constantly, as does the number of requests the DGDC receives to offer similar courses in other institutions within Mexico and abroad.…”