Kavli Sparks Program
Deepening Understanding of Public Trust in Science
As changes sweep the scientific enterprise, researchers’ questions about how the public connects to, trusts, and supports science have taken on urgency. Science and Society Sparks, a bite-sized program for researchers with a connection to The Kavli Foundation, offered webinars, readings, and discussion sessions examining how society engages with scientists, research, and evidence. This story series highlights instructors and participants in the Sparks program to showcase the insights emerging from the program.
Understanding the Nuances of Public Sentiment on Science
Through Sparks, scientists learned what the data really says about public trust in science and why it matters for the future of scientific research, funding, and policy. Read about how the nuance of public opinion could shape the future of how scientists engage with others.
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From Correction to Connection: Boosting Trust in Science With a Listening-First Mindset
Correction or connection, what changes minds? Read about how researchers learned the difference it can make to move from a “correction mindset” to a “connection mindset,” as well as how this shift builds public trust and opens the door to more meaningful conversations about science.
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Now What? Practical Steps to Spark and Spread New Science Communication Habits
Rockefeller University’s RockEDU Science Outreach program’s executive director Jeanne Garbarino shared practical ways for scientists to connect with others and build genuine relationships related to their work. Read about how scientists can increase society's connection with science and where they can start.
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Looking to the Future: How Science and Society Sparks Impacted Three Researchers’ Views on Science Engagement
We caught up with three scientists to hear about their experience with the Kavli Foundation’s Science and Society Sparks Program. Read about the lessons they learned around helping scientists bring their work to life in conversations that resonate with audiences outside academia through engaging with the public, not just talking at them.
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