16 Feb 2017
Insights into communicating science – ignorance is not the problem
Understanding the psychology is the first step in effective communication Fiona MacDonald Science Alert ‘A lot happened in 2016, but one of the biggest cultural shifts was the rise of fake news – where claims with no evidence behind them (e.g. the world is flat) get shared as fact alongside evidence-based, peer-reviewed findings (e.g. climate change is happening). Researchers […]
06 Feb 2017
Gagging the Agencies – Lord Chris Smith, ex chair of the Environment Agency
We must tell the truth to safeguard the environment – Lord Chris Smith Posted on 1 February, 2017 by Green Alliance blog This post is by Lord Chris Smith, who was chair of the Environment Agency from 2008-14. ‘It was made very clear to us that, whilst private impartial advice was still sought and still welcome, it should […]
13 Dec 2016
We should take time and effort to correct misinformation – Phil Williamson
Scientists should challenge online falsehoods and inaccuracies — and harness the collective power of the Internet to fight back, argues Phil Williamson With the election of Donald Trump, his appointment of advisers who are on record as dismissing scientific evidence, and the emboldening of deniers on everything from climate change to vaccinations, the amount of nonsense […]
30 Aug 2016
Communicating science – Pseudo-science & The Spectator – a case study
The outcome of the Referendum highlighted the reaction against experts and provides a significant challenge to the whole science and technical community. The need to respond to misinformation effectively are growing. Phillip Williamson, UEA: ‘At the end of April, The Spectator published an article on ocean acidification by James Delingpole. Unfortunately it was classic […]
11 Aug 2016
Communicating with the public – recognising their needs
Communicating effectively with the public Jacqui Cotton, EA ‘People need to know how a flood will affect them; what it will do to their homes and how it will disrupt their lives. Authorities have often shied away from such stark content in communications as it may cause fear or panic. Key to avoiding that fear […]
24 Nov 2015
Communicating Flood Risk – Connecting with People
Catherine Morgan Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk management network The need for those us involved in Flood Risk Management research to engage with the public has never been more apparent. I live and work in Hull, a city that lies on the banks of the Humber Estuary and therefore, at risk of tidal flooding. However, […]
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