New book documents the global emergence of modern science communication

Kia hiwa ra, kia hiwa ra,
Kia hiwa i tenei tuku, kia hiwa ra i tera tuku,
Kua puta mai a tetahi pukapuka hou, Communicating Science. A global perspective a Mane 14 Mahuru, i roto i Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.
Kia hiwa ra, kia hiwa ra.

Attention, Attention,
Attention far and wide,
A new book Communicating Science. A global perspective was released on Monday 14 September, during Maori Language Week.
Attention, attention.

This is a huge book of 996 pages, documenting the global emergence of modern science communication. One of the first of its 40 chapters, covering 39 countries, is one on Aotearoa New Zealand, entitled “Participatory science and bicultural knowledge communication”.

The book’s Chief Editor, Toss Gascoigne, a visiting fellow at the Australian National University, says he is delighted with Aotearoa’s contribution.  “The book is important, because we learn from each other, both successes and failures,” he says. A new book ‘Communicating Science. A global perspective’ was released on Monday 14 September and launched online at 12 pm 15 September 2020, GMT. It includes a chapter on Aotearoa New Zealand, entitled “Participatory science and bicultural knowledge communication”.

The book documents the global emergence of modern science communication. It has 40 chapters, 108 authors, and covers 39 countries.  It’s a huge book: 996 pages.

This is the first study describing how science communication has developed around the world. The book covers all regions and all cultures, including nations across Europe, Asia and the Americas, and emerging economies like Russia, Jamaica, Estonia, Iran and Pakistan. 

The Aotearoa New Zealand chapter was written by Jean Fleming (Centre for Science Communication, The University of Otago), Nancy Longnecker (Centre for Science Communication, The University of Otago), Rhian Salmon (Centre for Science in Society, Victoria University of Wellington and Te Punaha Matatini) and Daniel Hikuroa (University of Auckland, Te Punaha Matatini and Nga Pae o te Maramatanga).

The last twenty years has seen a steady increase in the collaboration of matauranga Maori with western science, at a time of heightened environmental issues. Maori researchers have pushed to widen the perspectives of the scientific community, using dialogue initially, but increasingly by engaging communities with matauranga. Maori have taken science communication in Aotearoa NZ in new directions, with an increasing emphasis on inherent values of the science being communicated.

Coincident with those efforts has been an increase in the use of Maori language in scientific endeavour, including the practice of translating abstracts into Maori.

A recent rise in education, jobs and funding opportunities in science communication in Aotearoa has also led to a substantial increase in the number and diversity of science engagement initiatives and participatory science programmes, a good proportion concerning environmental protection and restoration. As a result, Aotearoa’s communities are engaging more with science, hopefully resulting in more science-literate publics and a more public-literate and bicultural science community.

The serendipitous release of the book during Maori Language Week could be viewed by some as a tohu – a positive sign. The authors are nevertheless thrilled by the coincidence.

Author Jean Fleming, Professor Emerita in Science Communication at The University of Otago, says “The Aotearoa New Zealand chapter stands out in this important book, highlighting two areas where our scientists now listen to and accept the views and data of others more and more. I am delighted that this chapter is being launched during Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.

Communicating Science. A Global Perspective is available for free download at ANU Press.  Hard copies will be printed on demand.