International science communication: an overview

Abstract

The need has never been greater for communication of the potential—and risks—of science and technology as agents of change for developing countries. Recognizing this, many of Unesco's 160 member states in 1985 placed science populariza tion high on their list of priorities. This activity has long played an important role in Unesco. Regardless, most developing countries still see S&T largely as the private preserve of rich countries. Indeed, S&T represents an alien culture to countries where the indigenous languages lack a technical vocabulary, educational levels are low, and traditional beliefs are strong. In such countries, governments sometimes play a predominant role in both scientific activity and journalism—one they insist must not be questioned. A journalist attending a seminar for Asian science writers in 1974 said: "In many of our countries, if you ask how the funds (for science) are applied, you go to jail." Such factors have led some developing countries to see the science communicator more as protagonist than as ob server. This has created conflicts with Westerners, who fear infringements of press freedom. The outcome will be important not only for science reporting but for success or failure of development efforts.