Survey of Science Communication in Developing Pacific Island Nations

Abstract

The developing nations of the Pacific Islands face a number of issues as they move towards economic and environmental sustainability. The application of science and scientific knowledge can be valuable in addressing these problems, and moving the region towards a more stable future. However, science can have little impact unless it is effectively communicated to relevant audiences.

Science communication is a relatively new and developing discipline. It is concerned with the context in which information is delivered, and the processes by which knowledge is accepted by different groups in society.

I completed an introductory study of the attitudes of scientists based in the Pacific towards science communication. To study the processes by which scientists produce, and subsequently communicate, their science, I invited scientists within the region to complete a short online survey. The survey asked respondents their attitudes towards science communication, the outcomes of their science, and their opinions on the overall success and quality of science communication in the region.

Results from the survey indicate a high regard for the importance of science communication, and a general consensus that the quality and reach of science communication in the Pacific is poor. Reasons suggested for the weakness of Pacific science communication include the lack of facilities and infrastructure across the Pacific for broadcasting information, low levels of scientific literacy within the population, poorly managed networks of information exchange between scientists, and limited training and support of scientists in the communication of their work. Respondents varied in the manner in which they regarded aspects of their work to be characterised as ‘practical outcomes’. This suggests a need for more long-term studies looking at the sientific process from development of concepts, through data collection, communication and ultimately implementation.