The importance and challenges of using radio to engage people in science – experiences from Brazil

The importance and challenges of using radio to engage people in science – experiences from Brazil Luisa Massarani SciDev.Net/Latin America and the Caribbean and Unit for Studies on Science Communication – Museum of Life/COC/Fiocruz, Brazil nestudos@fiocruz.br

Objectives of this presentation

Quick context of science and radio in Brazil

Project 1: Engaging 10 years old children in science and health issues through a radio program

Project 2: Radio science program Electron

High penetration in the whole Brazil, including countryside and among illiterate sectors of the society

Every small town has a local radio

In the present moment there are cheap tools for producing and broadcasting radio programs (for example, softwares free and easy to manipulate)

However… Few science radio programs (last survey we found about 30)

Brazilian survey: Mass media as science information Q5. Vou ler algumas frases para você. Para cada uma delas responda, por favor, com as seguintes opções: Base: total da amostra 2004 entrevistas See programs in TV on sciencee tecnologia Listen to radio programs on science Read about science in newspapers Read about science in magazines Read about science in Internet Talk with friend on science issues Sign manifesfs or participate of protest in science issues Estimulada, Resposta única 1,77 1,31 1,57 1,54 1,32 1,50 1,10

Project 1: Engaging 10 years old children in science and health issues through a radio program

Carried out in two schools in Rio de Janeiro, by a group of science communicators and radio experts

Support from the local agency Faperj for buying equipments for a low income school and for fellowship for two teachers be engaged in the project

Use of free software

The children (and teachers) are trained in radio and in science communication aiming to allow them to be the main actors of consolidating the program: they will decide the format, the issues to be covered, etc.

The program is broadcast in the school break (and posted in Museum of Life website)

Developed a manual for other schools/teachers (free pdf)

Project 2: Radio science program Electron

An informal chat on science, technology and health

Radio MEC (and through Internet)

8 minutes, weekly

Integration of science and culture: science as inspiration and creativity source in cultural expressions – (very good) Brazilian music, carnival, poetry, “cordéis” (popular poems), legends, etc.

One theme per issue: HIV/AIDS, genetics, stem cells, biofuels, climate change, whales, nanotech, etc

The scientist - valorization but with no mystification: scientists interviewed; programs on Brazilian scientists (history of Brazilian science): Oswaldo Cruz (vaccine riot; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation), Carlos Chagas (Chagas disease)

Valorization of the Brazilian science (keeping the international perspective) (biofuel)

Social aspects, ethics, risks, uncertainties

Example 1

HIV/AIDS

Topics: data of the people with HIV/AIDS in Brazil and reasons for distribution of the virus in the country; research in HIV/AIDS; difficulties for science developing a vaccine; how science is now contributing for fighting against the HIV/AIDS; Brazilian research

Interview: Luiz Castelo Branco

Musics: “Ratos de porão” (heavy metal); “Saúde (health)”, Rita Lee and Roberto Carvalho

Cordel

Aids caught science with no defense, wide eyed with infinite surprise, without understanding what happened in the world.

Example 2

Genetics

Topics: what’s DNA is; genetic determinism; genetic mapping; ethics and use of genetic information on health insurance and jobs; research in genetics and tropical diseases