Big Bang #04 is out

The fourth edition of Big Bang is now out. In this edition we focus on the ethics of science communication. Like Ariadne’s thread aided Theseus to escape King Minos’ labyrinth, we aim to provide some guidance through the maze that can be the ethics of science communication. From personal anecdotes to interviews, career stories, and deep dives in the literature: all articles underline the importance of ethics. 

In this issue, we warn against scientism and aim to go beyond mere communication of facts by focusing on the scientific process. We speak to Johan Braeckman and learn about his fascination for misinformation and how to deal with it. Small spoiler alert: approaching each other as human beings, having conversations, and being patient. Facts and feelings; that’s the way to go.

India Jane Wise takes us along some important personal reflections when dealing with the balancing act between science and spin. To help, she provides five good practices to keep people’s trust, share wonder, and communicate without false promises. Tom Janssen left behind his lab work to pursue climate action. In his interview, he teaches us that choosing is not losing and that tailoring science communication specifically to certain audiences can be done in an ethical manner. 

Lucía Ballesteros dove into the literature on scientific fraud, misinformation, and the so-called ‘replication crisis’. She highlights initiatives involved in the betterment of science ethics and provides multiple strategies for science to help shape the meaning, context, and public reach of the scientific record. Whilst looking in this scientific record, Liesbeth Aerts came across a (public) controversy surrounding Alzheimer’s research. In her piece, she aims to balance exposing fraud with keeping public trust in science. 

Further, the impostor syndrome and the phenomenon of epistemic trespassing are dissected by Ingrid van Marion and David Domingo, who show that both can actually impact (ethical) science communication. The career story of Elisabeth Stes highlights that ethical science communication is (or should be) a core function with great importance and which begins with accountability. She makes a strong case for treating science communication as a profession, not a soft skill. We end with three book recommendations and the remembrance of two dedicated, ethical science communicators: Els Smeyers, science communication officer Hasselt University, and Hilde Van den Eynde, science journalist De Standaard.

We hope these articles provide the thread to follow on your path in science communication, wherever it may lead you. 

Happy reading!