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 developed "open university" programs. At the national level, a network of "Science and Society" vice-presidents (in charge of research dissemination) was established in March 2021 (see https://www.aefinfo.fr/depeche/662669). In November 2021, the Conference of University Presidents even created a dedicated working group called "Science and Society" (see https://www.aefinfo.fr/depeche/660749). Furthermore, the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research increasingly emphasizes the dissemination of scientific knowledge 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 outreach has become a key issue for universities, research laboratories, scholarly societies more broadly, and the GIS Institut des Amériques in particular, many researchers are actively engaged in sharing their knowledg through outreach articles, educational activities in schools, guided visits of laboratories, and participation in events such as the Science Festival. In parallel, various media outlets—including newspapers (print and online) newspapers, radio, and television—are increasingly seeking scientists' expertise to analyze and interpret societal and current issues. However, media exposure can raise legitimate concerns among researchers, especially when they are unfamiliar with media communication practices or unaware of the constraints journalists and media organizations face.This roundtable will therefore explore media expectations and constraints, the role and visibility of scientists in the public sphere, and how scientific discourse is framed and represented in the media.