- Short course on science communication
No OIC member state has an academic program in science communication. Only Malaysia started its Masters in Science Communication and Public Engagement in 2023. This gap could be filled by a short course as academic programs require years of development and accreditation from universities.
- 4-6 week training course in a hybrid mode. (online/physical)
- Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Global Coordinator Biotrust, Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid Consultant, Science Communication & Diplomacy, COMSTECH, and Paras Ali Technology Times could develop the module and content for this program.(Developed)
- Resource persons could be identified among the speakers of COMTECH’s Science Communication International Conference and Co-Opted members accordingly
- 3-Day Science communication workshop (online or physical)
- Conducted in different regions and OIC member states once a year
- Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan/Dr. Syed Javaid Khurshid has the content for this workshop and has been offering this to different OIC Countries.
- A database of existing and active science communicators in OIC will be created to allow member states to engage them
- An annual science communicator award will be held to recognize active science communicators and journalists to encourage more science communication efforts. This award ceremony could be done with a seminar or may be included in the existing COMSTECH awards.
- 3-minute videos of published research will be compiled from researchers around OIC member states and will be posted in the public domain to encourage cooperation and collaboration between scientists and industry players.
- A media/communication toolkit for scientists and media persons on science communication will be developed for resource-poor countries with cultural and religious sensitivities. Most available toolkits are suitable for countries with resources (funding, experts, materials, gadgets, internet access, etc.) and where there is no conflict between science, culture, and religion. OIC member states are unique in terms of traditional culture and strong religion embedded in everyone’s lifestyle. A toolkit incorporating culture and religion will be more effective.
Science Communication Toolkit will help when working together with journalists, scientists, and social media content creators. There will be a range of tools and resources to help science communicators improve the effectiveness of their communication activities. This toolkit will comprise content trusted but not limited to:
- Explainers and suggestions for journalists.
- A digital support tool for science journalism.
- Guidelines for quality science communication in journalism.
- Guidelines for quality science communication for public relations departments of science organizations including academia.
- Guidelines for quality science communication n for social media creators.
The expected outcome:
- Increased science literacy among the OIC population
- The strong political will to support Science, Technology, and Innovation initiatives
- Strong entrepreneur/startups culture to commercialization
- Development and implementation of science-based policies and regulations
- Accurate and science-based reporting of science in the mass media