A Michigan State University professor will use a $310,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study how scientists can become better communicators.
John Besley, associate professor and Ellis N. Brandt Chair in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, will study how scientists both view and communicate with the public.
The project will seek out academics in a range of scientific disciplines, particularly natural, physical and social scientists. The research team will interview and survey the scientists to better understand how these communities are currently thinking about their fellow citizens.
"We want to help scientists to be better communicators," Besley said. "We will have succeeded if we can get more scientists to think about communicating in a way that helps them better connect with their communities."
There is a limited amount of research on how scientists communicate with the public. Past research has focused largely on the barriers to communication that scientists face rather than on what scientists can do to communicate effectively.
"We want to make sure they understand how to get past walls that might keep people from benefiting from their expertise," Besley said. "On the other hand, part of the work will be helping scientists understand the strategic value of listening rather than always playing the role of expert."
The research is being conducted with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a range of other scientific societies.
Collaborating on the project is Anthony Dudo, of the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a team of graduate students.