Science Communication is a Bridge Between Researchers and Media: “Communication Laboratory” Project Started in St. Petersburg

Organized by ITMO University, SPN Communications and Russian Venture Company (RVC), “Communication Laboratory” brought together more than 200 researchers, science communication specialists, PR experts and science journalists on November 6. Participants exchanged their views on interaction between academic community and media.

Vladimir Potapov, RVC`s head, Vladimir Vasilyev, ITMO University rector and Marina Shishkina, head of Education, Culture and Science Committee of Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg, headed the opening ceremony of the meeting. According to Mr. Vasilyev, ITMO University makes research activities popular by providing a variety of project using non classical approach.

“We take part in development of an interactive science popular museum for children, which will be one of the largest in Europe. ITMO University also participates in different exhibitions as well as supports educational film festivals. We launched a pioneering course on science communication, which is planned to turn into a full-fledged Master`s program, develop fablabs and so forth. We are glad to see a lot of like-minded people who are going to develop science and who do it nowadays. I hope that this meeting is a starting point for other joint projects,” noted Vladimir Vasilyev.

In her opening speech Marina Shishkina noted that a new occupation was developing in St. Petersburg.

“I hope that science communication course will be turned into a Master`s program. It is very important to develop such activities in St. Petersburg in order to give these specialists an opportunity to have a successful career. I am sure that this meeting is very useful and promising,” said Ms. Shishkina.

Leonid Kolodkin, SPN Communications` deputy director, commented on the main features of “Communication Laboratory.” Thus being organized in July 2014, the project is an experiment, which aims to establish relations between business, officials, education and media.

“There are some people who can express complicated ideas in simple terms and explain them to others. We found out that it was necessary to support them by providing such meetings,” noted the expert.

According to Mr. Kolodkin, on the one hand, science communication is not developed in Russia enough, but on the other hand, this field is ready to be widened because of the necessity of science communication experts. One of the most important targets of the project is to double PR experts in Russia.

Dmitry Malkov, Science Communication and Outreach officer, shared ITMO University`s initiatives in the field of Science PR. Thus ITMO University contributes to science communication development both in St. Petersburg and whole Russia. This field is very relevant. As Mr. Malkov noted, students from 17 federal districts of Russia applied for the training course.

“Currently universities that take part in “5-100” program serve as key developers of this discipline. Science communication is very important because through its activities 5-100 participants promote their researchers and achievements to international arena. That is why ITMO University bases on experience of researchers from other countries.”

Vladimir Vinogradov, head of International Laboratory “Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies” also took part in discussions. Speakers exchanged their ideas of interaction between journalists and researchers and discussed up-to-date issues with the audience. According to “Communication Laboratory`s” organizers, visitors took an active part in discussions sharing their original and unexpected ideas.

At the end of the meeting speakers made interesting presentations connected with designing of communication strategy of a university, development of a website for university departments as well as science popular events` making.

“Our point is that science communication is a bridge between science and business. So we should build it!” noted Elena Brandt, head of PR Department of Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

“Communication Laboratory” initiated about 300 media publications last year. Its participants developed Open Science website thanks to which Russian researchers got an opportunity to share their achievements. About 20 science communication experts from Russia designed a case reference book called “Science PR Formula.” Organizers mentioned that experts will develop the second volume of this book after this meeting.

The next “Communication Laboratory” will take place in Nizhni Novgorod.