In 2024, SciCom has continued to work on new and existing projects that advance science communication research. By enhancing society’s understanding of science, SciCom has interlinked various communities through constructive, research-inspired engagement.
Imidibaniso Exchange
We continued our Imidibaniso Exchange, an annual in-person workshop offering a comprehensive and interactive snapshot of best-practice communication tools and strategies to help scientists and scientific researchers share research with a wider audience and enhance public engagement efforts. Since its inception, we have had featured presentations from scientists, public speakers, authors, social media influencers, musicians, and performers. As of 2024, more than 60 scientists and scientific researchers have participated in the Exchange.
Evidence and Power Online Roundtable
We continued the Evidence and Power Online Roundtable in collaboration with Bournemouth University. In the third roundtable, discussions centred on how data can support the cause of climate justice, particularly given the rising rhetoric that seeks to deny the impact of climate change. The final roundtable of 2024 highlighted the use of health data to assess population needs, especially in South Africa, where there is a backlog. There was also an emphasis on promoting mental well-being and utilising data to enhance health initiatives, alongside the media’s role in advocating for health justice. The Roundtable will continue its mission to stimulate insightful discussions on the complex relationship between science, communication, and society in 2025.
The Academic Citizen Podcast: Season 7 Sound Matters
The Academic Citizen returned with a new season, Sound Matters, focusing on the role of sound and its impact on knowledge production and dissemination. This follows our virtual symposium in 2023, held under the same name in collaboration with the South African Research Chair in Science Communication, The Academic Citizen, and the South African Journal of Science. Eight presentations from the symposium were selected, highlighting the effectiveness of sound as a medium for communicating scientific and cultural research. All episodes can be heard here.
Publications
SciCom has published nine peer-reviewed articles covering various topics. These include a special issue focusing on the importance of science communication in social justice efforts, an exploration of the emotional engagement involved in citizen science aimed at mapping solitary bee diversity in Johannesburg, an examination of the lived experiences of individuals with mental illness, an investigation into the critical issue of sewage contamination in the Jukskei River, and an article on the essential role of interdisciplinary discussions in advancing knowledge production. All publications can be found here.
FicSci Anthologies
Two anthologies have been published since the launch of the FicSci Writers Workshop in 2022, and a third is on its way. The first, flow, was released in 2023 and explores the complexities of fluid mechanics, from hair to blood clotting. The second, night_sky, focuses on cutting-edge research covering X-ray binary stars, extragalactic sources, and the Magellanic Clouds. Both anthologies feature poems, essays, scripts, and illustrations that respond to prompts from leading scientists. You can find the anthologies available here.
Illustration
Following the launch of Humusha in 2023, we commissioned creative Max Hodge to create an illustration that reflects SciCom’s broader commitment to advancing science communication for social justice. The illustration presents the Chair from various perspectives, aiming to highlight the interconnected relationship between science, communication, and justice, and to ensure that society truly benefits from these aspects in their daily lives. Hodge’s profile can be found here.
SACOMM SciCom Prize
SciCom established a new prize for the annual South African Communications Association conference. Valued at R5000, the prize is awarded for the best conference paper related to the theme “Science Communication for Social Justice.” After a rigorous judging, the inaugural prize winner was Chelsea Holland, an independent researcher studying the slangbos in the Cape Winelands. The first award winner was announced at the SACOMM Conference on 11 September 2024 at Stellenbosch University.
New Edition and Changes in 2025
New Name
As of March 2025, SciCom will become the Centre for Science Communication. The Centre will host several units, including the NRF-DSI South African Research Chair in Science Communication, and will continue to build on science communication research and best practice principles, ultimately leading to future academic offerings.
Shut Up and Write
Shut Up & Write is a supportive space designed to help participants focus on their writing, stay motivated, and connect with others. Whether you’re working on a journal article, thesis, or creative piece, these sessions provide dedicated time for writing. They take place every Thursday in four 6-week blocks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Journalism, 26 Crozier Road. It is open to everyone and attendance is free, with no RSVP required. Check out our event calendar for all the dates.
SciCom is dedicated to advancing research in science communication. Our goal is to investigate the relationships between scientific initiatives, societal dynamics, and changing communication methods. Through this exploration, we aim to gain insights into how science engages with the public and influences societal progress.