Scientific dissemination is the set of activities that interpret and make scientific knowledge accessible to the entire society. It sets its sights not only on the most cutting-edge scientific discoveries, but also on scientific theories or various fields of knowledge, which can be useful for citizens when making decisions on a complex subject related to science. This work requires learning and preparation since a scientist can have a lot of knowledge, but not know how to communicate; and the same thing happens to a communicator, he may know how to communicate, but he lacks scientific knowledge. A science popularizer isthe bridge between science and dissemination of information, this profile can be achieved with a Master in Scientific Dissemination.

The word ‘science’ is equivalent to knowledge. And the term ‘knowledge’ refers to the set of broad and deep knowledge that is acquired through study or experience. Knowledge is the science of the human being, conceived as systematic, methodical, cumulative, specialized, verifiable knowledge and the product of scientific research. Knowledge is, therefore, a part of science. The job of the science popularizer will be to bring science closer to the general, non-specialized public.

What characteristics does scientific dissemination have?

The main characteristics of scientific dissemination are:

• Promote curiosity towards a subject.
• Offer the information necessary for society to acquire an opinion on issues related to scientific advances and their repercussions.
• Help to understand the social, political or cultural transformations of the new events and facilitate that each person has a critical thinking.

Science communicators use all available means at their disposal to spread science. To do this, they use the media, multimedia supports, social networks, museums, or periodicals, among others. New technologies are also included here: from infographic and virtual trips to the past or future, to the discovery of the interior of the microcosm of a living being. The new technologies bring new opportunities for scientific dissemination that are truly attractive and surprising.

What does a popular science article consist of?

These are informative publications that fulfill the function of simplifying and viralizing specialized knowledge, backed by the signature of a scientific disseminator, an expert in the field. The communication carried out by the scientific popularizer must achieve effectiveness. But, how to prepare an article for popular science ? Each publication is prepared from the point of view of objectivity, without revealing personal opinions or value judgments. Whoever signs it, that is, the scientific disseminator, will be an expert on the subject. Its diffusion will be presented in various formats from online videos to podcasts, television programs, magazines, popular science essays or social networks (such as forums, blogs, chats…). 

Types of scientific dissemination

The subjects and audiences to which the information of scientific dissemination is directed are heterogeneous. Depending on the personal interests or training of each scientist, the options are diversified towards work in museums or interpretation centers, outreach activities for children, specialization in a certain moment in history (paleontology, Prehistory, Middle Ages… ) or some specialty such as health sciences, human genetics or pharmacogenetics. The fields in which a scientific popularizer can work extend through public and private institutions.

What is scientific dissemination for?

Throughout this blog we have tried to explain the relevance of scientific dissemination as an educational element that facilitates access to academic, technical or specialized information for the population. The objective of scientific dissemination is to reduce the educational gap in the different sectors of the population so that the greatest number of people have the knowledge that allows them to form an opinion on a controversial or difficult issue, and to be able to act accordingly.