Abstract

CASTANHO, Miguel A.R.B.. Pop-Science: Facts or Fiction? Friend or Foe?. INCI [online]. 2003, vol.28, n.11, pp.665-668. ISSN 0378-1844.

Scientific production and public understanding of science are linked but public images of science are not always realistic. Scientific work is mostly pictured in the media as in-lab activity and evolving in big steps, overlooking the "extra-lab" work and all the daily small-step contributions to scientific progress. Misconceptions in public awareness of science may seriously hinder scientific progress (e.g. in chemistry). Journalists play a role in building a more realistic image of science. Unbiased communication between journalists and scientists is thus crucial. Unfortunately, such communication is not always simple. This essay is a scientist’s view on the interplay between journalists and scientists.

Keywords : Public Understanding; Media; Journalist; Science Communication.