"Respectfully, I disagree"
Scientists can interpret results differently. Researchers’ interests can come into conflict with those of local communities. People can have the same information but different priorities, preconceived notions or beliefs. Uncertainty and disagreement are part of cutting-edge science, so what do we as communicators do when people disagree? There are challenges in making sure a variety of perspectives are represented, and in ensuring a respectful discussion. It is also difficult to stay objective as a facilitator (if that is even the aim). In this session our speakers will talk about projects that brought different perspectives together. We will then invite all participants to join a structured discussion activity, and have a go at disagreeing about disagreeing.
Outcomes: what will participants get from this session? Skills, knowledge, experience etc.
Understanding of considerations, challenges, and possible techniques when communicating, or facilitating discussion about, differing points of view.
Opportunity to participate in a discussion about communicating scientific disagreement, to whatever extent they wish.
Session speakers
Public Engagement Officer
International Centre for Life
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Life Science Centre runs Science Speakeasy debates for adults, where speakers are invited to answer audience questions on current scientific topics. These have taken place both online and in person. Esther will talk about selecting topics, putting together panels with different perspectives, and moderating the debate.
Miraikan--the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
What will happen when our own digital clones are made? Ayuko will bring concerns and questions shared in one of Miraikan’s talk sessions, whose theme was about the possibility of making another self of a ‘living’ individual.
Freelance and co-creation manager at BHT Berlin state university of applied sciences
Wiebke developed and led the “Experimental Field for Participation and Open Science” at the Berlin Museum of Natural History between 2016 and 2021. Wiebke invited the Fridays for Future movement into the museum and organised exchanges with scientists. The activists also used the space for their own meetings. If visitors with differing opinions came along, it was important to facilitate discussion while ensuring that it was a safe space. How can we make spaces which are both secure and open?
