Advances in discovery science (including basic, curiosity-driven, blue-sky, or fundamental scientific research) make it possible to answer complex questions and provide the building blocks of new knowledge and innovation. While discovery science is crucial in shaping our future, some may perceive it as abstract and somewhat removed from society. And, occasionally, public audiences may question the funding of discovery science. Therefore, public communication and engagement about discovery science demand specific goals and strategies, and we need research evidence about effective ways to communicate about these topics and engage diverse audiences.
Public communication and engagement in support of discovery science will be the theme of a special issue of JCOM (Journal of Science Communication) and an international symposium in South Africa, both planned for late 2024. SISSA MediaLab will produce the journal issue, while the symposium will be hosted by Stellenbosch University. The journal issue and symposium will be informed and shaped by the work already done by SciPEP.
With the special issue of JCOM, we aim to produce a scholarly record of current knowledge and insights into relevant research and practice and stimulate new research and reflection around this topic. We invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers and funders to submit contributions to science communication research, practice and training specifically relevant to discovery science. The detailed call for abstracts is available at https://jcom.sissa.it/news/
The deadline for abstracts is 1 February 2024. Authors will be informed by 15 March 2024 whether they are invited to submit a full manuscript, which will be due by 30 June 2024. The target date for producing the journal issue is October 2024. Please submit your 500-word abstract to the JCOM deputy editor (Marina Joubert) at: 
