India's Ph.D. scholar outreach requirement

"India's Ph.D. scholar outreach requirement"

published in Science

Vol 359, Issue 6382, 23 March 2018

As demand increases for scientists and researchers to take part in public engagement and outreach (1–3), the Government of India's Department of Science and Technology plans to require Ph.D. scholars to write a popular science article on their research before completing their degree (4). The Department's National Council of Science and Technology Communication has launched a related program that will select the best entries from such articles by Ph.D. scholars and postdoctoral fellows each year. Winners will receive a monetary reward and a certificate of appreciation, and their work will be published in a mass media outlet (5). These ideas are part of the government's larger plan to push science and technology organizations to embrace “scientific social responsibility” and to encourage scientists to popularize science among the public (4, 6, 7). Dialogue with nonspecialist audiences builds support for science and makes clear its relevance in society (8). If implemented properly, the proposed degree requirement can boost science communication while serving as a global trendsetter in the field.

However, this policy will not be effective unless appropriate provisions are made to train the scholars in science communication and equip them with writing skills. Integrating science communication training into science curricula is imperative to nurture a future generation of scientists who can explain their research to the public (8, 9). During such training, Ph.D. scholars should be taught to communicate their research with not only peers, but the public, the media, and other stakeholders. In addition to teaching scholars to write research papers, reports, and grant proposals, courses should cover how to translate research into accessible language appropriate for popular science articles and press releases, how to engage with nonscientist audiences, how to dejargonize public speaking scripts, how to give media interviews and handle media queries, and how to document (film) their research for public consumption. Activities such as learning by doing, role playing, and real-life engagements can further hone writing and communication skills. Efforts should also be made to inculcate a sense of responsibility and passion for communicating research to society among Ph.D. scholars. Without such comprehensive communication support, the government's plan to improve scientific outreach would become just another numeric parameter.

credit : http://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6382/1343.1