Building Capacity for Science Engagement in Africa

Science communicators in the developing world face particular challenges in making science accessible, relevant and meaningful to diverse audiences. In a developing world context, it is particularly important to engage decision makers and policy makers, but they also have to reach vast urban and rural communities. Families in these communities are often poor and have limited access to education and technology. 

This symposium will reflect on the rationale and best practice for public science engagement in such unequal and diverse societies. We will share stories and lessons about making science more socially inclusive across Africa, and will invite the audience to share their experiences and suggestions for best practice in communicating science across the developing world.

Science communicators in the developing world have to make science accessible, relevant and meaningful to diverse audiences. I addition to reaching policy makers and middle class urban communities, they also have to engage people who may be living in poor informal settlements or remote rural areas. It requires innovative approaches to science communication to engage communities where literacy levels are sometimes low and access to technology is limited. This symposium will reflect on the rationale and best practice for public science engagement in such unequal and diverse societies. We will share stories and lessons about making science more socially inclusive across Africa, and will invite the audience to share their experiences and suggestions for best practice in communicating science across the developing world.