ABSTRACT
Experts often experience difficulties when communicating with the public, decision makers, and even other experts (Andrews 2002). Here, I explore emerging scientific practices that carry communicative implications for joint fact-finding (JFF). The dictionary definition of the phrase “communicative science” usually attaches it to the efficacy of speech, voice, and language. More broadly, scientists struggle to communicate effectively due to their institutional settings, disciplinary worldviews, siloed specialties, ignorance of others’ needs, and inability to distill simple insights from the rich complexity of what they have learned. Is it possible to improve twoway communication between scientists and citizens?
