The One Health research cluster of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) held a two-day online seminar themed “Bridging the Gap between Scientists and the Public – Dialogue with Distinguished Scholars on Science, Risk, and Health Communication” on 27 and 28 April 2021.
Four scholars from the US and Japan were invited to share their insights into the subtheme “Bridging the Communication Gap between Scientific Experts and the Public” in the panel held on the first day. Professor Gary L KREPS from George Mason University examined the challenges to effectively communicating relevant scientific information to vulnerable populations to influence their health behaviours for improving public health. Professor Deanna SELLNOW and Professor Timothy SELLNOW from University of Central Florida, described key findings from their work through the telling of first-hand encounters they have had with subject matter experts, journalists, and populations at risk in more than 20 countries. Professor Atsushi KUMAGAI from the National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology in Japan shared what he observed about the communication practices during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. He found there were gaps between assumptions and reality, and science and public perception.
In the second panel "Meeting with Editors: Science, Risk, and Human Behaviour" held on the next day, two journal editors took turns to share the communication strategies in pandemic times. Professor Teresa L THOMPSON, Editor of Health Communication and Professor Emerita at University of Dayton, spoke of how health communication theory and research helps scholars understand the political and scientific dilemmas underlying communicative dimensions of the pandemic and how to address these dilemmas, based on her latest book Health Communication Theory and numerous COVID-19 articles from the journal she edits. Professor Louis Anthony COX, Jr, Editor of Risk Analysis and Associate Professor at University of Colorado, described the progress in more accurate communication about deaths caused by exposures to hazards, including air pollution and COVID-19, and discussed how recent advances in quantitative risk assessment, causal analysis, and risk communication can better inform public opinion and policy deliberations.
The One Health research cluster regularly organises scholarly events to engage experts at CityU, in Hong Kong and across the globe for fruitful academic exchanges. Social sciences scholars and students, as well as those who are interested in examining health issues from multidisciplinary perspectives, are welcome to join. Please check the research website of CLASS for event updates.
Cover image: The speakers of the “Bridging the Gap between Scientists and the Public – Dialogue with Distinguished Scholars on Science, Risk, and Health Communication” seminar
