Photograph: Press release

It is clear that many people, whether scientists or common sense, do not know what scientific communication is or what it is for. Many do not understand the real importance of this tool, making its full implementation more difficult.So, what is the true objective of science communication?It is to make access to scientific research more democratic, allowing society to learn about and discuss issues that impact the population.Its purpose is to bring society closer to science.Furthermore, this approach shows that the scientific community is essential for us to advance in areas such as education, technology and health, as everything is, in some way, interconnected.

Education and Science in Brazil

It is known that, in the case of Brazil, it is first essential to have an overview of the education of the Brazilian population. Recent results from the “Alfabetiza Brasil” survey, carried out by Inep (National Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira), reveal a gap in national education: in 2021, 56.4% of students in the 2nd year of elementary school were not literate.

When we think about scientific dissemination, it is essential to consider the different Brazils within Brazil.

The socioeconomic profile is vital to achieving our goals. If we think about scientific dissemination and how to make science more accessible to the general public, it is necessary to address those who are doing science in Brazil. Those who have access to quality education and manage to get to and stay at university generally have a family and/or financial base.

The Question of Representativeness

And, if the base of the pyramid, made up of black and poor people, does not reach these spaces, how can we expect a different science? According to the latest IBGE census, in 2022, in the population aged 18 to 24, 36.7% of white people were studying, while among black and brown people, the rate was 26.2%. Among white people in this age group who attended school, 29.2% were studying for a degree, compared to 15.3% of black or brown people.

Language in Scientific Communication

Another determining factor in scientific dissemination is language. It may seem simple, but it's not. If I am addressing people outside of academia, I need to adopt accessible language to reach the lay public. I can't use the same language as a scientific article! It is essential to understand the target audience, especially in a country with a considerable illiteracy rate.

The Pandemic and Science

The COVID-19 pandemic has offered us a broader overview of this relationship between the scientific community and the general public. How did Brazil, which had vaccination records, become a country with resistance to vaccines? At what point did internet news stories gain more credibility than the words of scientists?

Science communication also plays a crucial role in valuing science. How is it possible to value something unknown? Showing society the work carried out at universities, in addition to being a way of accounting for the use of public money, is a way of highlighting the importance of science for the country's development.

Science communication also plays a crucial role in valuing science. How is it possible to value something unknown? Showing society the work carried out at universities, in addition to being a way of accounting for the use of public money, is a way of highlighting the importance of science for the country's development.

Music video: MC Fiot / Vacina Butantan

Science and Popular Culture

The song “Bum Bum Tam Tam” by MC Fioti, produced by Kondzilla Records, is an example of how popular culture can promote science. Fioti turned his song into a pro-vaccination anthem, encouraging the population to get immunized against COVID-19. This is just one of many examples that show how it is possible to unite science and popular culture to communicate effectively with the public.

Finally, we need to reflect on the differences and seek more efficient communication. We need more diversity in science.

It is essential that more people, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, feel part of the scientific process and realize its importance. This includes women, black people, indigenous people and LGBTQIA+ people. The lack of representation is a reflection of the structural racism and sexism present in our society.

When we only have one dominant group represented in science, we lose different perspectives and views. In summary, science communication is a powerful tool for bringing society closer to science, but it needs to be improved. We need to be aware of differences, value diversity and communicate clearly and effectively.