Public engagement in science: Mapping out and understanding the practice of science communication in Latin America

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study aiming to map out the characteristics of science communication activities carried out in Latin America by different organizations. We looked at a general description of the activities (such as the kind of activities carried out, in which periodicity, the publics engaged in the activities, etc.) and the favorable and unfavorable existing conditions in the organizations (such as budget and planning, evaluation, as well as weakness and strengths). The study focused on gathering primary information, through an online survey, answered by 123 institutions from 14 countries. Although the results are not representative of the entire Latin America - and it would be not possible to be so, since it is not even known the totality of initiatives existing in the region -, the study presents trends that can help the guidance and the consolidation of strategies for strengthening the practice of science communication in the region.