RESUMO
Introduction: fake news is one of the most frequently discussed subjects in the media, a problem that has become more evident with the rise of social and digital networks assuming the role of main information disseminators. From this perspective, it is important to be connected to a simple, fast communication vehicle that reaches many people. Media may also damage quality of scientific health communication with a negative impact on citizens' lives.Objective: in this context, this article aims to reflect on fake news and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has devastated the world since the beginning of 2020, particularly in Brazil.Methods: countless actions have been taken to contain what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls an "infodemic" that is present in everyday life, invading houses, mobile phones, and computers, in a time of social isolation and working from home. In this scenario, it is up to journalists, communicators, scientists, and health professionals jointly to share important information and to communicate about health and science in a responsible way.Conclusion: in a crisis it becomes essential that information reaches a large number of people and community leaders in order to influence people positively, which might help to save lives
RESUMO
A public teaching and research institution can also be recognized for its scientific projection in society, as well as for interfering directly or indirectly in social dynamics through science. In this sense, this study intends to analyze how science communication is inserted in the communication of Federal Institutes of Brazil, characterizing the contexts in which science journalism develops in these places and the possibilities of products for publicizing science. To this end, we conducted a case study with a mixed approach - qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews were directed to communication managers (n = 2), research managers (n = 5), and research dean (n = 2). We also applied a questionnaire to journalists and communicators (n = 23), research managers (n = 11), student researchers (n = 52), and researcher supervisors (n = 156). The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through thematic analysis. We also use inferential statistics for the questionnaires to compare the opinions and assessments of the groups, contextualizing the dissemination of science, as well as drawing perspectives for improvements and the creation of communication products. The main findings indicate that, for science journalism to develop, it is necessary to a) establish guidelines for the dissemination of science, b) recognize and prioritize research publications, c) plan the work of science journalism and create routines, d) improve communication flow, and e) create journalistic products and processes. From these actions, it may be possible improve communication between Brazilian Federal Institutes and society through science.
RESUMO
Communicating Brazilian science still seems to be a challenge for journalists and researchers of public institutions of education and science. In this sense, this research aims to identify and analyze scientists' perceptions regarding the work of journalists, the relationship between these groups, the expectations, and the challenges of science communication in two Federal Institutes of Education in Brazil. We conducted a mixed study in the qualitative stage with the participation of 30 interviewees, and in the quantitative stage, journalists and researchers answered a questionnaire (n = 242). Our results indicated that the work of science communication is not carried out properly in both Institutes and that there is a lack of articulated work among both journalists, communicators, and researchers. The relationship between these groups needs to be built jointly. In this respect, the biggest challenges are to institutionalize science communication, establish a science communication plan, and overcome internal relationship barriers. Our results may underpin science communication policies and policies for scientific dissemination both institutional or even national levels.
