Scientists share their experience with public engagement activities, categorized by the four sections of the AAAS Theory of Change.
Policy Deliberation
Policy deliberation approaches provide opportunities for a variety of stakeholders to participate in a dialogue and exchange of views about science policy.
Public Dialogue
In public dialogue approaches, the goal is to promote dialogue as an end in itself, recognizing that informal discussions with the public can result in learning by both the public and experts.
- Genetically Modified Insects and Disease Control by Anthony Wilson
- Tasting the Tree of Life: Development of a Collaborative, Cross-Campus, Science Outreach Meal Event was described in the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education Themed Issue on Science Communication.
- Fostering Conversation about Synthetic Biology Between Publics and Scientists: A Comparison of Approaches and Outcomes was described in the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education Themed Issue on Science Communication.
- Science in the Eye of the Beer-Holder—How To Put On an Effective Pint of Science: The Adelaide Experience was described in the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education Themed Issue on Science Communication. See the issue for additional examples.
Knowledge Co-Production
Knowledge co-production approaches sponsor “intentional collaborations in which members of the public engage in the process of research to generate new science-based knowledge” (Shirk et al. 2012).
- Engaging K-12 Students in Authentic Place-Based Research by Johanna Varner
University-Led Cooperative Engagement
University-led cooperative engagement approaches emphasize trust building and social learning in collaboration with key stakeholder groups such as farmers, coastal land owners, minority groups, and industry members. These initiatives are typically led by universities and/or deploy university-based networks, resources, and infrastructures such as cooperative extension and Sea Grant programs, or faculty and outreach staff affiliated with specific university departments, colleges, and schools (Diehl et al., 2015).
Other Forms of Science Communication
- Neuroscientific Diagnosis of the “Zombie Brain”, by Bradley Voytek
- Pitching and Writing a Popular Science Book: Do You Need a Literary Agent? How Do You Find One?, by Ina Park
- Writing an Op-Ed, by Luis Martinez