Recommendations for "Science Communication and Chains of Mediation"

9. Adapt to Changing Communication Landscapes

Actions for RPOs & Institutional Support officers

As the communication landscape changes, ensure that training adapts and that the resources available for researchers are fit for purpose
Commit to being present across platforms, providing access to research where public debate takes place
Ensure support and protection from abuse for those researchers and mediators who represent science in new communication formats
Provide institutional support for involving all different types of science communicators, professional media specialists, and researchers

Ensure that emerging forms of science communication and communicators are involved in the debate on science communication
Include public perspectives in communicating science, broadening ownership over scientific knowledge and the public debate and interactions about science
Harness new communication channels to improve and diversify public outreach when possible and meaningful

Be proactive in steering adaptation to changing communication landscapes, through guidelines providing support for developing science communication practices
Ensure that legislation is regularly updated to protect researchers from harassment in online and other less regulated science communication environments
As modes of communication evolve, maintain and adapt codes of conduct for science communication that support not only established institutional actors but also emerging science communication practitioners