W@LifeSciences Talk: Communicating on Science

W@Lifesciences will host a panel discussion on the complex interplay of science and communication; how policy makers and stakeholders can effectively work together to improve trust in science and  communicate effectively in their fields. 

17:00 Registration

17:30 Welcome Laura Batchelor, Board Member of W@LifeSciences

Discussion chaired by Emma Trogen,  Board Member of W@LifeSciences

• Dr Maja Fjaestad – Associate Professor, former Swedish State Secretary for Health, Researcher Karolinska Institut
• Isabel De la Mata –  Principal Adviser for Health and Crisis Management, European Commission
• Emilie Karafillakis – European Director, Vaccine Confidence Project 

18:45 Networking drinks

The recent pandemic has emphasised the importance of communicating sciences to a variety of audiences. The urgency and unfamiliarity of the novel virus created a high need for reliable information and placed scientific concepts at the centre of the public discourse. The need for information intensifies with the topic of vaccinations, as citizens seek to understand the risks and benefits of available options. In this context, policy makers, health professionals, journalists, legal and regulatory professionals are often among the first to engage with scientific discoveries and communicate them to their constituencies with a view to guide decision-making and address hesitation.

For professionals that seek to engage varied audiences on scientific issues this is often not a straightforward task. At the very basic level, science is a system of knowledge that provides “facts” that establish the foundation for evidence-based reasoning, informed decision-making and the development of responsive policies. As such, science contributes to transparency and builds public trust and democratic legitimacy, especially when faced with the complexities of a rapidly evolving public health situation. However, in the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy escalated as opportunistic political narratives  emerged in response to diverging views of  scientific and regulatory  experts reflecting varied legal and policy approaches to sciences across countries and communities. The growing anti-science sentiment and increasing misinformation and manipulation, particularly in social media, is a challenge which needs to be addressed if citizens are to benefit from innovation in science. 

The event, hosted by FIPRA, is open to everyone interested regardless of gender. Advance registration required.