In conversation: Dutch research leaders discuss confidence in research, impact of the pandemic, communication in science and more (4 July 2022)
This roundtable discussion is part of Elsevier’s global ‘Confidence in Research’ collaboration and one of a series of events taking place in The Netherlands, Germany, China, Japan, and the US.
The pandemic has raised questions on how scientists and researchers conduct and communicate their work. To help understand the impact of the pandemic on confidence on scientific research, Elsevier has launched a global ‘Confidence in Research’ collaboration, the results of which will be published in Autumn 2022.
Alongside a global survey, conducted by Economist Impact among 3,000 researchers across Europe, North?America, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, we are holding a series of roundtable discussions in different countries (United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, China, Japan, and the US).
As part of this program, we brought together around 30 scientists and experts from Dutch universities and related research institutions, professional bodies, and policy makers for a roundtable in July 2022. ?Moderated by Professor Louise Gunning-Schepers, chair of the Royal Holland?Society of?Sciences and?Humanities, the meeting saw The Economist and the KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science) present preliminary research findings, with key topics addressed in five breakout sessions.
Thanks to the lively contributions of the participants the meeting revealed some great insights into the views of the Dutch research community and relevant trends. Here are some of the key takeaways:
Confidence in research is challenged
- ?There is a strong sense among researchers that there is a structural issue with confidence in science. The rapid development of the COVID vaccine has increased confidence in science among some, while others have lost confidence. The gap between science and politics/policy is seen as too big.
- It was stressed that scientists should feel safe to express doubts: science is always evolving, and experts can differ. They must feel comfortable to show vulnerability and be resilient.
- Communication and engagement with society is key to reduce extreme reactions. Nonsense and misinformation should be combatted strongly. There is an increased threat of political correctness and self-censorship: scientists may become too careful to express themselves in the classroom or draw conclusions possibly leading negative reactions from the public. This hostility is considered as a threat to academic freedom.
Pressure on researchers has increased during the pandemic
- The pandemic has magnified several adverse trends. The public, policymakers and the media ask for certainty, simple stories, and clear conclusions. Most politicians lack a good understanding of science. Some of them have used science as an excuse for unpopular policy decisions.
- Personal insults and bullying/harassment on social media have seriously worsened during the pandemic. It was strongly advocated that researchers deserve every protection and support they need. Some universities have protocols on how scientists should deal with reactions/intimidation on social media.
Better communication skills are needed
- It is felt that more attention for science communication is needed. Scientists must not only be able to properly explain, present and discuss, but also skilled to conduct a dialogue.
- Many researchers feel they lack communication skills. More training is needed to communicate their findings successfully with policymakers, journalists and in particular on social media.
- One third of all scientists consider themselves skilled enough to communicate effectively with politicians / (social) media. Young scientists may do better at this than older ones. Research shows that 61% of all scientists think communication training can help.
- It was noted that teaming up with science communicators as a team is key, as it is not everyone’s strength to communicate their findings to the greater public. Universities have communication departments that can help scientists get their stories across.
- It was repeated that incentives should be reshaped. Less pressure on publications in peer reviewed journals. Researchers need more reward and recognition for their teaching efforts, public presence, and contacts with policy makers. It was noted that many PhD students drop out because they feel balance is lacking in the reward system.
The full analysis from our Confidence in Research collaboration will be available in the autumn, but if you would like to find out more about the collaboration in the meantime then head to our designated hub: https://spkl.io/60454VkeB
