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Interviewing Neuroscientists: Unveiling Challenges in Public Engagement for Neuroscience in Science Communication

  • Health Communication Research
  • 2024, 23(2), pp.61-106
  • DOI : 10.24172/hcr.2024.23.2.61
  • Publisher : Korea Health Communication Association
  • Research Area : Social Science > Journalism and Broadcasting > Communication
  • Received : May 19, 2024
  • Accepted : July 10, 2024
  • Published : July 31, 2024

Soojin Kim 1 Juhee Eom 2 Ryu, Young-Joon 3

1이화여자대학교
2건국대학교
3강원대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

In an era of rapid scientific and technological advancement, public engagement in risk and science communication has become increasingly crucial. This study delves into the multifaceted concept of public engagement, exploring its significance in forging social consensus and agreement. Through online interviews with a focus group of 10 neuroscientists, a field at the forefront of scientific communication, the study examines the various dimensions of communication challenges faced by neuroscientists. Further, we sought to find out about the current state of science communication in Korea as perceived by neuroscientists. Additionally, the study explores the methodological discussions necessary for engaging the public prior to the societal application of brain-based technologies. The findings reveal internal conflicts among neuroscientists regarding the legitimacy of research methods and the scientific basis of research results. They also highlight the polarization between patient treatment and researcher-driven research. Moreover, neuroscientists expressed concerns about the potential misuse of research results in social applications, emphasizing the need to consider both the positive and negative aspects of scientific breakthroughs. The study concludes by advocating for collaborative efforts between scientists, humanities scholars, social scientists, lawyers, and other experts to foster public interest and participation in the social application of new technologies. This exploratory study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of public engagement from the integrated perspective of risk and science communication.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.