How to strengthen science communication by learning from Europe

How can we create better conditions for research to be understood and make a difference in society? This question is the focus of a new report that shows how different European countries are working to strengthen the dialogue between research and society. The report points out possible ways forward for Sweden.

The Swedish Research Council's new report, Promoting Science Communication: Strategies and Lessons Learnt from Europe, compares initiatives in nine European countries and within the European Commission. The report's authors describe how everything from political strategies and funding models to national centres of competence, training programmes and incentives for researchers can be important instruments for promoting science communication.

“In the polarised and challenging geopolitical situation we find ourselves in, good science communication is more important than ever – it builds bridges between knowledge and society and strengthens democracy,” says Katarina Bjelke, Director general of the Swedish Research Council.

Broad European commitment but different ways forward

Many countries prioritise science communication through clear national strategies. In Germany and the Netherlands, ministries play an important role, while Ireland and Luxembourg have developed models and key figures to measure how research involves society. The UK's comprehensive system for assessing the impact of research, including the Research Excellence Framework (REF), has created incentives for both universities and researchers.

A growing number of countries are also investing in driving development forward through centres of competence, national networks and awards.

Several research funding bodies provide special grants for science communication, set requirements in calls for proposals or follow up on how projects work with dialogue and co-creation. Within Horizon Europe, projects are often assessed not only on the basis of scientific quality, but also on the basis of the impact they can have and how researchers plan to collaborate with stakeholders outside academia.

Swedish research funding bodies do not generally require communication

In countries where science communication is prioritised at the national level – in legislation, research strategies or the ministries guidance – the incentives for researchers to engage are the strongest.

The report shows that Sweden has much to build on; there are many strong actors and initiatives. However, Swedish research funding bodies do not generally impose requirements on communication efforts or follow them up systematically.

“This report provides a good overview that we can use to develop our own activities and when advising the government,” says Mikael Jonsson, Head of the Department of Communication at the Swedish Research Council.

Read the report: Promoting Science Communication: Strategies and Lessons Learnt from Europe