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The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
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Telling Stories: How the Public Can Engage with Science

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Summary

In December 2009 in Bangalore, India, 84 delegates from 22 countries participated in a conference about international public engagement organised by the Wellcome Trust and Tinderbox Consultants Ltd. The conference "Telling Stories: Why Narrative Matters in Public Engagement with Science" was the second workshop on this theme, following "Engage to Empower", held in December 2008 in South Africa. Delegates came together to share their experiences and to discuss lessons and ideas about engaging the public in science. The sessions saw health researchers interacting with artists, educationalists, drama and development practitioners and a multitude of other talents and interests that relate to public engagement with health research in low- and middle-income countries. The programme allowed delegates to explore the following questions:

  • When and how can we use storytelling properly in public engagement?
  • What are the potential dangers of misusing it?

The points raised touched upon the practical and theoretical challenges involved in translating science to diverse audiences, using creative methodologies in public engagement and working with diverse and vulnerable groups.

This 8-page report summarises the activities and discussions that took place during the conference. Questions that emerged as a result of the discussions are highlighted at the end of each section.

An online discussion that accompanied the conference is ongoing; please join here.

Web link
Click here for more information and to download the full report.
Source

Email from Wellcome Trust to The Communication Initiative, September 17 2010.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/08/2010 - 15:12 Permalink

There are very few organizations that are interested in the talk about engaging the public with science and at the same time can be a model for that engagement. I was in London just by pure chance and decided to drop in at Wellcome Trust Glass House (perfect setting, not for rural folks like me -:), and I had the greatest fortune to see Dr. Daniel Glaser in action talking to a scientist about something close to splitting an atom. The small hall was filled to capacity. I could not tell who the people were but what I got out of the event was that here is an organization that is willing to taste the medicine it is asking others to take. Is that I all I learned? Of course no...but who asked me to bring such a public event into this ever silent private space of very busy people. Will this screen come alive?
Dr. Kole Odutola