Programme Day 1: 18 November 2024

See Day 2: 19 November 2024 and Day 3: 20 November 2024

MONDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2024, DAY 1 – morning session

OPENING SESSION

Chair: Marina Joubert (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Rapporteur: Lili Rademan

Sibusiso Moyo (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Programme rationale and preview and Introducing a JCOM special issue on ‘Communicating Discovery Science’

Rick Borchelt (Scientific Committee Chair, USA)

OPENING KEYNOTES

Communicating the basics of botany – opportunities for linking science and society

Nokwanda (Nox) Makunga (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

As one of South Africa’s most visible scientists in the field of plant medicines, I aim to showcase the deep connection between plant biodiversity and human sociocultural diversity. I will also demonstrate how the world of plant science can be made more interesting for those who may not fully grasp the vital role plants play in our daily lives. Using different techniques and media, I will illustrate how scientific research can be transformed into socioeconomic benefits, all while honouring transgenerational indigenous knowledge.

Relevance: Going beyond utility to make science connect with audiences

Mónica Feliú Mójer (Ciencia Puerto Rico and Science Communication Lab, USA)

Basic science researchers often face pressure to communicate the immediate utility of their work by linking it to direct societal benefits. I will discuss why the relevance of basic science should not be confined to utility and should encompass broader connections to people’s lives, cultures, and identities. I will present concrete strategies for making basic science more relevant by embedding it within the context of everyday experiences and societal frameworks. Doing so can inspire curiosity, foster inclusion, and ultimately enhance the impact of basic science.

PLENARY 1: SciPEP* ORIGINS AND FINDINGS

Chair: Michelle Riedlinger
Rapporteur: Nicola Davies-Laubscher

PRESENTATION

The SciPEP journey to date – outputs, outcomes and future directions

Brooke Smith (Director: Science and Society, The Kavli Foundation, USA)

As Director of Science and Society at the Kavli Foundation, I have been co-leading the Science Engagement Public Engagement Partnership (SciPEP) with the Department of Energy. SciPEP has been working to curate, catalyse and convene around the topic of “basic science communication and engagement”. This talk will explore the journey of SciPEP – what we did, what we learned, and what is still needed. This talk will set the stage for many themes explored during the symposium.

PANEL

Sara Yeo (University of Utah, USA)
Mike Schäfer (University of Zurich, Switzerland)
Melissa Boonzaaier-Davids (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, South Africa)
Allison Eckhardt (Department of Energy, USA)

*Science Public Engagement Partnership – see scipep.org

MONDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2024, DAY 1 – afternoon session

PARALLEL SESSION 1 – BRINGING DISCOVERY SCIENCE TO LIFE – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Chair: Beverley Damonse
Rapporteur: Magdalena Eriksröd-Burger

Who knows what? Disciplinary structures and the pertinence of scientists in discovery science

Rainer Bromme (University of Münster, Germany)
Co-author: Eva Thomm (University of Erfurt, Germany)

We will explore the role of disciplinary structures in discovery science. While complex problems require multidisciplinary approaches, such research often leads to controversies that may undermine public trust in science. It is therefore crucial to explain these differences between disciplines and their respective value and strengths in research. Based on our findings regarding people’s understanding of disciplinary structures, we will propose creative methods for science communication that highlight these disciplinary structures, such as puzzles to illustrate experts’ relevance to topics of public interest.

Communicating the value of natural science collections to funders

Fulufhelo Tambani (Natural Science Collections Facility, South Africa)

The Natural Science Collections Facility (NSCF) faces the challenge of demonstrating the societal value of natural science collections to funders, many of whom are members of the general public. These collections, largely used for taxonomic research, support essential applied sciences such as agriculture, health, crime-solving, and conservation. However, the downstream nature of their benefits makes quantifying this value difficult. In South Africa’s strained economy, where basic services like food security and healthcare are prioritised, justifying funding for these collections becomes even more challenging. This talk will explore these issues and seek collective solutions.

Advancing science communication in Africa: Reframing Afrocentric perspectives on inclusion, capacity-building and language plurality

Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, South Africa)

Communicating mathematical knowledge and research to the public is essential for transformative development in Africa. In this presentation, the 2023 Inclusive SciComm Symposium framework will serve as the foundation for exploring themes related to language, measuring success, and building trust. These themes are contextualised through the lens of a successful science engagement initiative: the Africa Scientifique (AS) Programme. This programme equips young and emerging African researchers with the leadership, knowledge, and skills for impactful science communication. Jointly delivered by African Gong and AIMS South Africa, the programme has been serving the cohort of Master’s students since 2020. The presentation will also provide insights and lessons learned from the outcomes and impact of the programme.

Bridging theory and practice: Learning environments for relatable science communication and engagement workshops

Atondaho Ramudzuli (Eh!woza and University of Cape Town, South Africa)
Co-authors: Alfa Fipaza, Mbali Jiyane, Anastasia Koch, Kristy Winkler

Eh!woza is an NGO operating at the intersection of public engagement, youth education, advocacy, and skills development. We will present insights gained from facilitating Eh!woza’s science workshops, which aim to simplify complex scientific concepts and expose learners to an active research environment. Our workshops cover topics such as TB transmission and clinical trials, and are designed to be interactive and accessible. The benefits of this approach are bidirectional: Eh!woza helps scientists understand the real-world impact of TB and enhances their communication skills while providing participants with a platform to share their experiences with TB and engage with scientific research.

Publishing discovery science: The case of CRISPR Cas 9

Ravini Moodley (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

The CRISPR-Cas9 case presents an interesting opportunity to consider how discovery science is translated into innovations, how intellectual property (IP) is protected, and who ultimately benefits from it. This process has significant implications for the communication of discovery science at both academic and layman levels. This talk will explore various articles that have tracked the developments of this technology and how discovery science progresses toward commercial application. Typically, this narrative is told from a single perspective. How can science communication empower society to understand the various dimensions at play?

PARALLEL SESSION 3 – STRATEGIES AND SUPPORT FOR DISCOVERY SCIENTISTS’ ENGAGEMENT IN BASIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Chair: Lauren Budenholzer
Rapporteur: Nicola Davies-Laubscher

Fostering inclusive mentorship ecosystems in biomedical research: RockEDU as a case study for community-driven science engagement

Jeanne Garbarino (The Rockefeller University, USA)

RockEDU Science Outreach represents the centralised engagement hub for The Rockefeller University to connect scientific and non-scientific communities to engage in the wonder of science as a justice centred process. RockEDU programmes work closely with research sub-communities, such as graduate students, postdocs, research technicians, and principal investigators (PIs), to understand their perspectives and priorities around engagement.

The power of visual media in science storytelling – Lessons from a bat ecologist

Mariette Van Der Walt (Genus Palaeosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa)

Drawing from my personal experience as a bat ecologist and science communicator, I will explore why capturing visual media (photos and videos) of our work is almost as important as collecting ecological data itself. I will share specific examples from my work with bats, illustrating how visual media has enhanced my research communication efforts. From documenting fieldwork to creating engaging social media content, these visuals have helped to convey the significance of my research to a broader audience.

Building a science communication programme for discovery science

Shellie Richards (Vanderbilt University, USA)
Co-author: David Wright (Vanderbilt University, USA)

Vanderbilt University’s Programme for the Communication of Science and Technology is the only undergraduate programme of its kind in the United States. Our students come from both STEM and Humanities backgrounds, forming an academically diverse and complimentary group that, when working together, creates a sort of magic. Past and current projects include children’s books that share the personal stories of scientists, articles highlighting key research findings at the university and medical centre, and recorded film and podcasts about novel discoveries that bridge the gap between scientists and the broader community.

Rolling stones: Design and practical insights for a mobile geosciences exhibition

Robyn Symons (University of Witwatersrand, South Africa)

The School of Geosciences, located in central Johannesburg, faces challenges in public access due to urban decay, traffic, and crime. To address these issues, the school acquired a Karet Traveller 200 trailer in early 2024, with the goal of creating a mobile education and exhibition system. This mobile system, known as Rolling Stones, will help engage communities with geoscience, a field rooted in hands-on exploration. The talk will present the fabrication and preliminary deployment feedback from the Rolling Stones mobile exhibition system.

PARALLEL SESSION 2 – CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES AS PLATFORMS FOR SHARING DISCOVERY SCIENCE

Chair: Janice Limson
Rapporteur: Sabine Heij

Multifarious resources engage people with science through inclusive environmental education: A success story from the conservation sphere

Chris Eksteen (Cape Leopard Trust, South Africa)

Inclusive environmental education is crucial for engaging learners with science in nature. I will highlight the Cape Leopard Trust’s innovative approach with ‘Footprints in the Fynbos,’ a resource designed for various abilities and translated into multiple South African languages. This project incorporates accessible materials, including dyslexic-friendly fonts, Braille, audio, and sign language, enhancing literacy and environmental understanding for differently-abled children. It serves as a showcase of how science communication can break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and cultivate a deeper connection to nature.

Communicating basic science through exhibitions

Siyamthanda Ndinisa and Mbali Ngulube (NRF-SA Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, South Africa)

This presentation will explore NRF-SAIAB’s approach to using exhibitions as dynamic platforms for bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding. Drawing from NRF-SAIAB’s award-winning participation in the 25th Working World Exhibition in Gqeberha, we will discuss strategies for tailoring presentations to different audience demographics, the importance of relatable communication, and the impact of these exhibitions on inspiring future scientists. The talk will also emphasise the need for ongoing training in science communication and the evaluation of engagement outcomes.

Crafting engaging videos: Marine science communication through storytelling and the help of AI

Dávid Kulcsár (Dávid’s SciComm Lab, Slovakia)

This presentation highlights the use of video as an engaging tool for communicating marine science through creative storytelling. I will explore how narrative techniques, visual elements, and sound design can significantly enhance the overall quality of a video, making the content more relatable to the target audience. By integrating emerging AI tools into video production workflows, such as text-based video editing, the production process can be streamlined, making it easier and more cost-effective to create impactful, high-quality content for social media and beyond. Attendees will gain practical insights into optimising their video production workflows to improve science communication.

A review of risk communication in antimicrobial resistance: How can we do better?

Samkele Mkumbuzi (University of Cape Town, South Africa)
Co-authors: Candice Bonaconsa, Andiswa Kona, Esmita Charani, Marc Mendelson

The CAMO-net South Africa hub is part of a multinational network aimed at amplifying existing interventions to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I have reviewed the current communication strategies regarding the risks associated with AMR to better understand how the science of improving access to vaccination, water and sanitation, and infection prevention can avert these risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the significant burden of disease and mortality associated with AMR and existing avertible solutions, many challenges remain in promoting effective action through a common universal language.

Communicating science for sustainability: Empowering everyday South Africans to act

Kezia Madell (WWF South Africa)
Co-author: Kirtanya Maharaj

The World-Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF SASSI) is a 20-year-old programme that connects marine science and conservation to the daily lives of South Africans. WWF SASSI simplifies complex scientific information about widely consumed marine species and promotes sustainable seafood choices whilst reducing the demand for overexploited species. The engaging suite of digital, printable and gamified communication tools are designed for ocean lovers, seafood consumers, the culinary industry, and seafood suppliers and retailers. The programme is supported by science communication and behaviour change strategies aimed at fostering positive change throughout the seafood value chain, ultimately securing resilient oceans.

PARALLEL SESSION 4 – SCIENCE CENTRES AS A NERVE CENTRE FOR ENGAGEMENT

Chair: Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan
Rapporteur: Linka Maritz

Science Centres: A network platform for engaging diverse audiences with everything science

Bafedile Kgwadi and Shadrack Mkansi (National Research Foundation – South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, South Africa)
Co-author: Livhumani Masevhe (Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa)

The team will introduce the South African Network of Science Centres and their role in building a society that is knowledgeable about science and scientifically literate. The presentation will focus on the integral work these centres have done in engaging diverse public audiences, from early childhood development to elders within communities, across the country in basic sciences. Additionally, we will share how scientists and researchers can use the centres as a platform to engage and incorporate the various audiences in their work or conduct their basic science research work.

Umjikelezo We-Science – Taking science to the community

Tanja Reinhardt (University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
Co-authors: Derek Fish (Unizulu Science Centre); Stephen Ashworth (University of East Anglia); Busisiwe Gumede (Durban Natural Science Museum); Nokwanda Cele (Durban Natural Science Museum); Sizwe Khumalo (CASME, South Africa)

Umjikelezo We-Science is a joint project between CASME (Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education), Durban Natural Science Museum, KZN Science Centre, STEC@UKZN (Science and Technology Education Centre, University of KwaZulu Natal), UNIZULU Science Centre and Kitchen Chemistry (University of East Anglia, UK).

The aim of Umjikelezo We-Science is to engage and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to rural communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal using interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and dynamic science shows. In this presentation, we will share our seven-year journey of bringing the message of Science to rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Panel: Discovery science in the Centre!

John Falk (Institute for Learning Innovation, USA)
Lynn Dierking (Institute for Learning Innovation, USA)
Derek Fish (University of Zululand, South Africa)

We have a long history, collectively bringing over 130 years of experience, in evaluating the effective communication of science across various institutions worldwide. For 55 years, Interactive Science Centres have been engaging people with discovery science by fostering emotional connections such as wonder, curiosity, and joy. In this panel, we will report on three different aspects of evaluations of public engagements presented in Science Centres, show evidence of best practice and share suggestions for monitoring, measuring and evaluating the outcomes and impacts of efforts to engage public audiences with basic, discovery science.

Day 2: 19 November 2024 – Day 3: 20 November 2024

The symposium aims to deepen understanding of effective public engagement around Discovery Science, also known as basic or foundational science, by exploring ways to improve the practice of communicating Discovery Science, share insights and create a supportive community for scientists and science communication practitioners focused on basic science.

General and programme enquiries

For enquiries, please contact Dr Nicola Davies-Laubscher on info@discoveryscience.co.za

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