Moderator
Dr. Imogen Coe (Professor, Ryerson University)
Panellists
Dr. Chantal Barriault (Director of the Science Communication Graduate Program, Laurentian University)
Clint Jacobs (Founder & President, Walpole Island Land Trust)
Dominic McDonald (Head of Education, Royal Institution UK)
Canada lags behind many other parts of the world when it comes to building a foundation for science communication. Echoing calls for culture change from the day before, this Saturday morning panel brought together diverse voices to discuss what unique challenges exist in Canada and what it can learn from its peers.
The UK and the US are two such contemporaries in this regard. Joining the panel by video from overseas in London was Dominic McDonald, who noted that the UK has a rich culture of science engagement but a problem of deciding and communicating which agenda of science to support – for research, for innovation and economic growth, or for “the soul”, that is to enrich our understanding of the world and our role in it. Despite this, many SciComm programs are in place, although the field is dominated by white women leaving academia after their PhD studies. Mr. McDonald highlighted that although these communicators bring an important perspective, any monoculture presents a problem that needs to be addressed to ensure diverse voices are communicating to diverse audiences.
Closer to home, our neighbours to the south have stepped up funding to study the landscape of SciComm training and the professionalization of the field. Dr. Chantal Barriault, who has worked extensively with groups in the US, noted that research has actively been conducted, similarly showing a field in the US dominated by white women. SciComm positions exist in a variety of sectors but under different job titles. From policy analyst to public relations, all require the same core competency of communicating science to the public. Reflecting on her own job as the Director of the Science Communication Graduate Program at Laurentian University, Dr. Barriault identified the need to conduct thorough studies to inform the field and best practices, develop core skills and competencies, and devise strategies to facilitate inclusion and provide training.
Although it is tempting to replicate models that are being studied elsewhere, Canada needs to understand its own unique relationship with science and the public audience. Among this is how Indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge can inform and shape research and culture. Clint Jacobs, who is Anishnaabe from Bkejwanong – Walpole Island First Nation, shared the importance of considering oneself to the surrounding environment and supporting the continuation of life. He implored that Indigenous knowledge should be used as a tool; researchers and the public alike should be involved with it – learning, reflecting, and sharing this knowledge with others for the betterment of all.
In brainstorming how to make a stronger Canadian SciComm sector a reality, devaluation of the field was once again a hot topic, as well as the need to professionalize with proper compensation and acknowledgement. To achieve this, Dr. Barriault explained that pathways need to be set out that identify core competencies, for which a rubric can evaluate progress, and inclusion in both the development and recruitment of these programs. To that, Mr. Jacobs shared his own experience from Indigenous teachings, identifying other important elements of core competencies, such as having an open mind and open heart with no agenda, listening to nature, not taking more than what is needed, and letting young people think for themselves.
“[SciComm] can not longer be a luxury or a side-hustle […] it’s not a nice-have, it’s a must-have.” – Dr. Chantal Barriault
SciComm should not be considered a luxury, but a necessity. Mr. McDonald emphasized that SciComm is inherently a social sciences discipline. In order to support STEM research, the gatekeepers to knowledge can no longer just be the researchers themselves but a body of diverse expertise and training to reach all communities. Structural and cultural change is imperative; funding SciComm is to support research and to ensure that science remains a priority in Canada.