A Systematic Map of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity in Science Communication Research: Do We Practice what We Preach?

Abstract

Effective engagement with diverse stakeholders, combating misinformation and encouraging wider participation in science is core to science communication practice, and comprises much of the current focus of research in the discipline. Global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have clearly shown that social inequalities also manifest within communication structures, including those of science communication. Practices which are inclusive of diverse audiences are key if we wish to engage diverse audiences in finding solutions to societal issues. Yet there is little available evidence to show which diverse, marginalised and/or excluded groups are being engaged within science communication, and via what means. This paper develops a systematic map of academic literature spanning 40 years to provide a preliminary evidence base of how diversity and inclusion within science communication research and practice is conceived and implemented. Although the discipline has shown an increased focus within the last 5 years, science communication must evolve further in order to develop a robust evidence base for understanding what constitutes inclusive science communication in both theory and practice.

RETHINKING Science Communication Education and Training: Towards a Competence Model for Science Communication

“…These provide positive effects like new fora for deliberation and more flexible modes of communication but there are also risks that science communicators should be aware of, for example the misuse of science related information. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated not only the vital role of science communication in public health and combating misinformation, but also how social inequalities, in who has both access to and how communities are served with information, remain during such times of crisis (Judd and McKinnon, 2021).…”

Making science communication inclusive: an exploratory study of choices, challenges and change mechanisms in the United States from an emerging movement

“…As Dawson [2018] [Massarani & Merzagora, 2014]. We refer readers to a recent systematic review by Judd and McKinnon [2021] for a thorough examination of the growth and topical range of ISC literature.…”

“…These concepts, of course, are not novel, as they have been held up as goals and studied extensively by scholars and practitioners across a wide range of disciplines [Acker-Verney, 2016;Chilvers, 2013;Dewsbury, 2020;Grimpe et al, 2020;Marchel, 2007;Schön, 1983;Trench, 2008]. K. argued that the range of disciplinary contributions to what we know about how these key traits can inform science communication, specifically, is important to the continued growth of the ISC movement -an argument buttressed by the findings of Judd & McKinnon's [2021] review.…”

“…Inclusive science communication (ISC), therefore, is not a static goal or outcome, but a continual examination of context, assumptions, norms, roles, values, and ultimately, ideologies. ISC can be considered an emerging movement that builds on decades of work across diverse fields [K. Judd & McKinnon, 2021].…”

Recommendations for Sustainable Ancient DNA Research in the Global South: Voices From a New Generation of Paleogenomicists

“…Local collaborators are likely to have a better understanding of the regional history, current socio-political situation, regulations and, importantly, ethical implications of research for local communities. Partnerships with local collaborators and institutions can also aid in developing culturally responsive materials ( Judd and McKinnon, 2021 ), in their language, for dissemination of research results to the public via news sources or other venues. This is important as genetics papers are often loaded with scientific jargon and assumptions that may be hard to interpret and open to misinterpretation by those far from the research ( Harmon, 2018 ; Reich, 2018 ; Gannon, 2019 ; Wolinsky, 2019 ; Panofsky et al, 2021 ).…”