Parallel Session

Parallel Session, Day One (Sept 4) : The Public and Science Literacy

                               How communicating with empathy is related to science literacy

Science literacy is the ability to interpret scientific facts or issues, analyze and evaluate them, and then make decisions based on scientific evidence. In a rapidly changing society dependent on technology, science literacy is essential for better life and future. 

Communicating with empathy is related to science literacy in that it allows for access and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts or issues. The use of appropriate empathetic languages, expressions or behaviors, and storytelling, help the public to understand or interpret science more easily, stimulate questions or discussions, and facilitate making informed valued decisions. Examples of empathetic skill in science communications (or for improving science literacy) as follows; ① understanding people’s backgrounds or environmental conditions, recognizing and/or respecting their emotion or concerns, ② providing scientific fact or information focusing on daily lives, interests, or concerns with the usage of empathetic languages, inclusive, respective, or empathetic, not technical terms or appropriate stories and examples, ③ listening to their perspectives and experiences, responding with empathy, and inspiring curiosity and questions ④ encouraging engagement with meaningful connection etc.

Presenters will share their experiences or attempts of exhibitions, educations, or activities with empathetic communication skills, which have influenced the enhancement of science literacy, related to but not limited to the following scientific issues; ① climate crisis and biodiversity, ② artificial intelligence (AI) and humanity, ③ earth Resources and eco-friendly Technology, ④ space exploration and aviation, ⑤ life science (biotechnology), ⑥ another pandemic or other issues.

Parallel Session, Day Two (Sept 5): Social Inclusion for all

                               How communicating with empathy is related to social inclusion

Social inclusion in science communication aims for the public to have equal opportunities to understand science, enjoy its benefits, and take participation in science activities, regardless of backgrounds or conditions such as age, disabilities, races, social economic positions etc. 

Empathetic communications could play a crucial role in promoting to understand, respect, advocate for or foster connections between/among individuals and/or communities, including within our own teams, and creating more inclusive and equitable environments in science popularization. Then, everyone will feel valued, respected, and empowered to a better life. Some strategies for empathetic communication in enhancing social inclusion are as follows; ① listening to experiences, feelings or perspectives and presenting inclusive interactions with respect and kindness ② building equal access to science exhibitions, educations or activities, with consideration of specific abilities or backgrounds ③ challenging discrimination and prejudice with the usage of empathetic languages, expressions, behavior or stories ④ stressing on meaningful connections and relationships between/among individuals and/or communities and providing equal services.

Presenters will share their experiences with exhibitions, educations, or activities or other programs and projects with an empathetic approach which spoke of social inclusion. Six sessions are prepared as follows; ① science programs for generations / ② science programs for disabled people / ③ science programs for multicultural people / ④ science programs for science gifted children / ⑤ outreach programs / ⑥ metaverse-based programs or other programs.

Parallel Session, Day three (Sept 6): Networking

                               How communicating with empathy is related to that we work within our orgs. and with networks?

Empathetic Communication strengthens connections or relationship between and among individuals, within our teams, with communities, science museums, and/or governments, donors and other partners. Networking plays a significant role in facilitating connections, promoting understanding, and encouraging collaboration between/among individuals, communities, and/or societies. The examples of empathetic communication for effective networks are as follows; ① Listening to diverse opinions, ② sharing goals and values, experiences and ideas with empathetic languages, attitudes, or behaviors, ③ encouraging collaboration and cooperation, ④ providing support and resources, and ⑤ acquiring positive outcomes for all etc.

Presenters will share their experiences or attempts of Sci-Art programs and how effective empathetic communication has been effective to strengthen networking between/among individuals, communities, museums as well as the collaboration of science and art, including within the museum team.

K-Science Culture

Special Session (Sept 6): K-Science Culture

This session will provide opportunity to discuss about the presence and future of K-Science Culture, driven by the collaborations of science and art and innovation in science and technology: Talk-show, performance, and exhibition etc. Talk show focuses on K-Digital, changing daily life and future of AI.