Round tables > Science and Media

Science & Media

 Thursday, October 2nd from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Centre des Colloques, Amphitheater 250

Organization : Claire Bourhis-Mariotti (Institut des Amériques/ TransCrit, Université Paris 8)

Speakers : Researchers : Lauric Henneton (Centre d’Histoire Culturelle des Sociétés Contemporaines, Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin), Anaïs Fléchet (Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire en Études culturelles, Université de Strasbourg), Olivier Compagnon (IHEAL, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle) Media : Sylvie Noël (RFI), Julie Gacon et Mélanie Chalandon (Cultures Mondes, France Culture).

Abstract :

Many initiatives have been implemented in recent years to strengthen the connection between science and society. For example, most, if not all, French universities have an "open university" program. At the level of higher education institutions, a network of "Science and Society" vice-presidents (responsible for research dissemination) was established in March 2021 (see https://www.aefinfo.fr/depeche/662669). In November 2021, the Conference of University Presidents created a working group called "Science and Society" for the first time (see https://www.aefinfo.fr/depeche/660749). Moreover, the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research increasingly values the dissemination of scientific culture and aims to strengthen "the relationship between scientists and citizens" (see https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/fr/diffusion-de-la-recherche-dans-la-societe-et-l-economie-renforcer-les-relations-entre-les-46097).

As scientific dissemination becomes a key issue for universities, research laboratories, scholarly societies in general, and the GIS Institut des Amériques in particular, many researchers regularly engage in sharing their knowledge through outreach articles, educational activities in schools, institute visits, and participation in events such as the Science Festival. Additionally, various media outlets—including print and online newspapers, radio, and television—are increasingly seeking the expertise of scientists to analyze and discuss societal and current issues. However, media exposure can raise legitimate concerns among researchers, particularly when they are unfamiliar with media communication norms or unaware of the constraints faced by journalists and media organizations.This roundtable will therefore explore the expectations and constraints of the media, the role of scientists and the space granted to them, as well as how scientific discourse is represented in the media.