Round tables > Rethinking the dissemination of research

Rethinking research dissemination

Wednesday, October 1st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Centre des Colloques, room 3.01

Organization: Samantha Lemeunier (République des Savoirs, ENS-PSL)

Speakers: Naomi Toth (CREA, Université Paris Nanterre), Monika Nouvelot (République des Savoirs, ENS-PSL/CNRS), César Eduardo Jumpa Sanchez (CREA, Université Paris Nanterre), Alexia Grolleau (CRIIA, Université Paris Nanterre)

Abstract:

During the round table "Young researchers: what is the point of research today?" organized on November 14, 2023 at the Collège de France, it was noted that "for several years now, in the media or on social networks, there has been a real distrust of scientific activity, its results and its applications".

The vectors for disseminating research that will be discussed during the round table of the 2025 Congress of the Institut des Amériques can help to overcome this "disconnect" by showing that research can play a concrete role in the contemporary landscape.

Let us consider, for example, participation in podcasts, partnerships with museums to develop exhibitions, involvement in films or documentaries, or even research-creation. Such practices, although still rare—particularly among young researchers—demonstrate significant engagement and offer an opportunity to rethink the dissemination of research while promoting cultural mediation.

Various speakers and media representatives who contribute to innovative ways of disseminating research will be invited. The discussion will explore how audiovisual media (podcasts, videos, reports, documentaries, and films), museum exhibitions, and research-creation offer new avenues for sharing research. It will also examine the extent to which cultural activities organized by institutions such as the Institut des Amériques contribute to this dynamic.

Exploring these new methods of disseminating research will highlight innovative initiatives that expand the audience for scientific work beyond traditional academic circles. It will encourage reflection on how such practices can not only enhance cultural mediation but also restore public trust in scientific endeavors while opening new opportunities for young researchers who may feel discouraged by the apparent rigidity of the academic world.

The aim of this round table is to discuss the various ways in which research can be disseminated. While the publication of articles and participation in symposia are the preferred means of disseminating research, these media are mainly aimed at a specialized audience, and the dissemination of research is to some extent restricted as a result. There are, however, many other ways of disseminating and promoting research, whether or not it is popularized.