Science Communication Practice in China by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789811632037
Publisher: Springer Singapore

Year

2006

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Number of science writers

0.87

0.85

1.00

1.10

1.12

1.41

1.45

1.29

1.33

1.41

Lack of Incentive for Science Writing

It is quite evident that without serious structural and policy interventions the number of popular science writers may never increase. In other words, institutionalised mechanisms need to be put in place, which should identify, motivate, encourage and nurture popular science writers. In the olden days, science writers were cultivated from within the scientific and technological community, whereas currently editors, journalists, photographers, and even artists are potentially qualified to become science writers. As a policy, these groups shall be further encouraged to engage in science writing. Young scholars, technicians with varied practical experience, engineers, and doctoral students shall be viewed as a core potential force, which if sufficiently motivated, can shape the future of science writing in China. Their latest professional knowledge turned into popular science writing could go along to improve national scientific literacy.

Although the potential force for science writers in China is large, the number of science writers is still small. The underlying reason is that effective incentives are still not in place. For example, most scholars and scientists find writing a popular science article far more difficult compared to writing an academic paper to be published in a scholarly journal. ‘Publish or perish’ doctrine has also pushed academicians to devote all their time to writing for specialised journals in their area of expertise. It is scientific publications that bring fame and promotion. Writing popular articles is considered a wastage of time. Someone who takes initiatives to popularise science rarely gets support from her colleagues. In fact, the most acclaimed scientists have been criticised for indulging in science popularisation. Conversely, those who write popular science books and articles do it for the love of labour against all odds.

In order to salvage the nation from the paucity of talented science writers, following measures have been suggested:Resolve the issue regarding incentives. For example, set up a performance assessment criterion that favours science writing.

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