On October 22 and 23, 2024, the "6th Japan Scicom Forum (JSF) 2024" was held at Kyushu University for the first time. The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), which hosted the forum in the past two years, participated this year as a supporting institution.
JSF, launched in 2018, has grown as a gathering space for science communicators, writers, researchers, and journalists. The forum, conducted entirely in English, serves as a platform to share knowledge and techniques for effectively conveying Japanese scientific achievements to a global audience.
President Tatsuro Ishibashi of Kyushu University remarked, "It is essential to share outstanding science from Japan with the world. I hope that the networks built here will help bring the power of science to a global audience," emphasizing the significance of strengthening communication and networking.
In a keynote speech, Kiki Bowman, Head of Communications at the United Nations University, spoke on the importance of design in science communication, highlighting how design enhances the clarity and appeal of scientific information. In another lecture, Professor Emeritus Tetsukazu Yahara, Director of Fukuoka City Science Museum, discussed the potential of "citizen science" projects, showcasing ways in which citizens can actively engage in scientific research.
During workshops, participants divided into four groups to engage in hands-on learning, covering topics such as approaching journalists, building partnerships, video production for science communication, promoting inclusion and social collaboration, and crisis communication. For the first time, case studies presented by forum participants were also featured.
Heather Young, Vice President for Communications at OIST, took part in a panel discussion on AI and science communication, examining both the opportunities and challenges of this technology. While AI is expected to improve information dissemination efficiency and visualization, it also raises concerns about misinformation risks and ethical challenges, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussion.
Tomomi Okubo, Media Relations Section Manager at OIST's Communications Division and a JSF organizer, stated, "Since 2018, JSF has attracted passionate science communicators from both Japan and overseas, showcasing the potential and growth of the science communication community. We look forward to welcoming diverse participants and deepening discussions on various themes."
OIST plans to remain actively involved in advancing science communication in Japan and globally. The next JSF is scheduled to be held at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) of Tokyo Institute of Technology in November 2025.
The attendance of OIST at JSF was partially supported by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) program for "Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities" (J-PEAKS).
