Characterization of Science Communication Processes in Portuguese Research Units

Abstract

Science communication has consolidated itself as an essential discipline and activity for scientists and research units. Among the efforts made by the various actors in the public space, science communication needs to be carried out and fed from the research centers - platforms that can contribute to the public confidence in science. In this study, to characterize science communication's processes inside the Portuguese research centers, a survey was sent to the 303 units financed by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in 2019. The survey responses are analyzed in the light of similar studies carried out in Portugal (2015) and abroad (2020). The data allow us to verify the growing trend of the importance given by research units and scientists to science communication. Through the website or social networks, and using tools such as videos, photographs, press releases, or public events, the Portuguese scientific community has made efforts to bring science closer to society. There is still much to improve. The integration of communication specialists in Portuguese research units is an inspiring and motivating factor for science communication as a practice and as an object of study.