Placing Reality Under the Lens: Ireland’s Largest Science Communication Event Next Week Will Explore Reality, Emerging Technology and Social Issues

SCI:COM, Ireland’s all-island science communication conference, returns for another exciting day of talks, panels and workshops on the 6th of December at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The theme for this year’s event is “Reality?” with the agenda set to explore challenges in communicating research to the public and other audiences.

The unprecedented access to unfiltered information that many take for granted, coupled with the rise of artificial intelligence, has made distinguishing truth from fiction harder than ever. Additionally, politicians are facing criticism for inconsistencies between their policies and actions, while the media is being accused of sensationalising or downplaying scientific progress.

Delving into the intersection of AI, ethics, biodiversity and health, SCI:COM 2023 aims to explore these subjects through nuanced analyses, questioning the evidence before us.

This year’s keynote speaker is former Irish footballer and author Richie Sadlier. Now an accredited psychotherapist, Sadlier specialises in working with adolescents. Unlike the numerous stories about sex and relationships that teenagers often encounter online, Sadlier offers educational content that is both empathetic and truthful.

His work helps adolescents to distinguish between pornography-derived information and reality, encouraging them to identify the disparity they experience in the materials they consume. At SCI:COM, Sadlier will address the necessity of accurately communicating sensitive and private information as well as the stereotypes and portrayal of adolescents in Irish media.

Other key speakers include:

—  Professor Philip Nolan, the Director General for Science Foundation Ireland, who will discuss the future of research in Ireland and the upcoming research and innovation agency stemming from a merger of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council.

—  Fiona Fox, from the Science Media Centre in London, who will talk about the organisation’s work in connecting media with academia for more evidence-based reporting and her plans to open a pilot Science Media Centre in Ireland.

—  Alex de Koning, from Just Stop Oil, who will talk about the organisation’s campaigns, goals and media coverage, posing the question: Is civil disobedience and disruption effective as a means of science communication?

Now in its eighth year, SCI:COM is proudly supported by Science Foundation Ireland and Pfizer Healthcare Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the event, Deb Mangone, Country Manager, Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, said:

“We are really pleased to be supporting SCI:COM 2023, which brings together a wide range of participants to engage in vibrant discussions on scientific communication and the importance of disseminating credible information. At Pfizer, we know that collaboration is incredibly important for the advancement of science. Every day, we strive to create the next generation of innovations to meaningfully impact patients’ lives.”

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland, said:

“SCI:COM 2023 promises to be an engaging day where different perspectives can converge, fostering dynamic conversations that delve into the nuances of how we accurately share scientific knowledge and ideas.”

Remarking on this year’s event, co-founder and award-winning broadcaster Jonathan McCrea said: “SCI:COM is one of the highlights of my year because it brings together the people who shape the story of science in Ireland. At SCI:COM we explore how to best communicate research and how to have conversations with the public that may be challenging.

They may be around sensitive subjects, rife with misinformation or centre on rapidly evolving technologies that could affect us all. Finding a way to talk about these things in a way that is both accurate, inclusive and engaging is what SCI:COM is all about.”

During the event, attendees can expect to:

—  Immerse themselves in thought-provoking discussions in breakout sessions delivered by experienced professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

—  Hear insights from leaders on topics such as how to discuss supposedly taboo subjects, if humour is appropriate and where the science comes in.

–Meet like-minded people to share experiences and discuss topical issues in the thriving science communication community in Ireland.