One little-known fact in Sardinia is the vast number of structures and people throughout the region working in the field of science communication.
In fact, the very concept of a “science communicator” (or even “popularizer”) is not well known. What is it about? A science communicator is a person (individual or part of organizations, associations, etc.) who is involved in spreading scientific culture. Science and technology are now at the core of our society: from telecommunications to pharmaceuticals, from nanotechnologies to the energy issue, everything revolves around them. For this reason, it is essential that the population has a good level of scientific knowledge: the future of a nation is tied to this.
Obviously, the structures, techniques, and means to communicate science to the general public can vary widely, as can the type of audience being addressed each time; for this reason, many different professional skills come into play.
Sardegna Ricerche, an entity that promotes technological innovation on the island, has encouraged the creation of a regional network – the first of its kind in Italy – for everyone in Sardinia engaged in spreading scientific culture. The network aims to connect the various and numerous Sardinian entities in the sector to create synergies and collaborations, exchange experiences, provide continuous training for members, and foster a collective and cohesive action in the territory, making the science communication process more effective and giving the different entities the strength that comes from being part of a group, rather than isolated entities.
The network, named “Chentuconcas – many heads for science” (thus reversing stereotypes by giving a positive connotation to being “many heads”), although recently established, already has over 70 members, including companies, associations, research institutes, universities, and freelancers.
The Astronomical Observatory of Cagliari is also a member of the network, actively engaged in the dissemination of Astronomy through numerous activities.
On December 13 and 14, the first conference of the network participants was held at the T Hotel in Cagliari.
The first part, moderated by journalist and host Carlo Massarini, focused on the importance of new digital technologies in the field of science communication; in particular, it discussed the increasing spread of apps capable of engaging young people with science in a playful and fun way, showcasing some examples dedicated to different age groups, presented by their creators.
The second part of the conference, coordinated by Paola Rodari and Gianluca Carta of SISSA Medialab, was primarily focused on the network of science communicators. It included presentations and exchanges among participants from museums, research institutions and universities, science parks, blogs and websites, libraries, private companies, astronomical observatories and planetariums, cultural associations, and more. Many of them presented their activities in the sector to others, sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes. This highlighted the wide variety of fields in which they operate and the professional skills involved, allowing for the identification of common needs.
The intervention of two experts was of great interest: Miha Kos, founder and director of the first science center in Slovenia, illustrated the principles of animation techniques for museum audiences; Antonio Gomes da Costa, coordinator of the PLACES project for ECSITE, the European network of science centers and museums, explained the importance, advantages, and challenges of belonging to a network for science communication.
The conference concluded with a final discussion on the future of the network, which proved to be an excellent opportunity for participants to exchange ideas.
The official website of the network is www.sardegnascienza.it. The site also hosts a social network for the network’s members.