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Finding the style of science communication

BY Sofía Villa

From Galileo’s observation until the first flight on Mars...all scientific milestones needed a catchy and clear way to be communicated to reach the public. This “style” is the subject of the mini-course "Style in Science Communication" created by Massimiano Bucchi, Professor at the University of Trento, and Jordan Collver, freelance illustrator, comic artist, and science communicator. Both of them work together to create the illustrated cards of the mini-course for Lifeology. 

To know more about this experience, I interviewed professor Bucchi (who is also the Director of the SciComm Master) about exploring new formats to communicate science.

Arts and science are often thought of as polar opposites, why do you think that they are better together?

I have always found it very important to add to my scholarly writing other, more accessible writing formats (theatre, dialogues) to make Science in Society and Scicomm themes more accessible since they matter to all citizens.

How it was to collaborate with an illustrator (advantages, potential pitfalls or disagreement ...)? 

I have to say I honestly did not know about the digital flashcard format before Paige Jarreau of Lifeology contacted me, but I was happy and honoured to accept this challenge. I had seen some comics about science by Jordan Collver and I thought his style would be highly suitable for the topic.

Jordan and I worked very well together since the beginning. After some meetings and exchanges, I came up with an initial draft for the course that Jordan developed into a nice full storyboard. Then we started a long process of fine-tuning and adjustments to sharpen and clarify each card and make it easily understandable and usable.
 
As a researcher, which advantages do you find in publishing non-scholar texts like this one?

I am looking forward to seeing the feedback and comments on the “Style in Scicomm” course. I will certainly use and circulate this and other Lifeology courses in my teaching and communication activities. It is a very interesting format that appeals to a variety of international users and can help introduce new and particularly young audiences to SciComm topics.
 
Do you think that to keep up with Scicomm challenges, more innovative curricula and degree programs are needed?

In the Scicomm Master at Trento University, we emphasise the importance of studying the different audiences of science communication and understanding their needs and expectations. Exploring new and diverse formats is one of the keys to engaging different audiences in social conversations about science and technology.

 
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After exploring the mini-course and talking with Prof. Bucchi, it is clear that despite having a personal style, all science communicators should develop certain skills such as accuracy and aesthetic as a symbol of quality in their work. Also knowing the audiences and contexts and inspiring questions and conversations are keys to successfully communicate science to society.



Sofía Villa is a Colombian journalist, specialized in science reporting and academic dissemination. She's actually attending the Master in Communication of Science and Innovation at the University of Trento. 


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