GOVPH

Through conducting rigorous research, the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) continuously explores and promotes the peaceful benefits of nuclear energy in various sectors, including agriculture, food and nutrition, medicine and health, and environmental protection.

DOST-PNRI aims to disseminate the benefits of nuclear energy to the public through the utilization and application of science communication, employing effective strategies to dispel circulating misconceptions of its dangers.

On November 29-30, 2023, a week before the 51st Atomic Energy Week (AEW) celebration, the DOST-PNRI collaborated with the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) to conduct a science communication training workshop under the Science Journo Ako Advocacy Program. 

The workshop was titled 'Science Journo Ako: Uncovering the Benefits of Nuclear Science' and was attended by selected students from Quezon City Science High School and Philippine Science High School-Main, aiming to enhance their capabilities in science communication, especially in writing science stories and crafting science content.

Significance of Science Awareness:

“When people think about nuclear, the first thing that comes to their minds is a nuclear bomb, connected to the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Consequently, people develop a negative view of nuclear energy,” shared DOST-PNRI Deputy Director Vallerie Ann Samson.

According to Dr. Samson, the other beneficial uses of the nucleus resulting from nuclear energy are not highlighted in the media. She hopes that through the Science Journo Ako training workshop, student participants will recognize and appreciate the benefits and positive aspects of the nucleus, especially its peaceful purposes.

“Your writing skills can contribute to the promotion of nuclear technology. Also, it will help you communicate its benefits to your family, friends, and acquaintances,” Deputy Director Samson emphasized.

Meanwhile, DOST-STII Senior Science Research Specialist Rodolfo P. de Guzman agreed that the benefits of nuclear energy must be communicated to the people. He explained that one way to boost awareness is through developing the writing and communication skills of young learners.

“There are many research projects and innovations, but the public is not aware of their purpose. Communication plays a crucial role in breaking or unbreaking perceptions,” underscored de Guzman.

He observed that science news is dwindling with limited articles in the science and technology section of press releases. He anticipates that this training workshop will increase the interest of the younger generation in exploring science and motivate them to craft compelling and engaging stories related to science.

Learning and Understanding Science Communication:

During the two-day training workshop, the DOST-STII Science Journo Ako team invited a pool of science experts and advocates to provide lectures in science and news writing, social media content creation, and basic photography and photojournalism.

Ruby Shaira Panela, a veteran science writer and researcher from the International Rice Research Institute, shared ideas and concepts that a science journalist or communicator must know in her presentation titled 'Basic Science Writing.'

Panela emphasized the crucial role of incorporating and prioritizing news value. “When writing science stories, the most important thing on this news value is impact and relevance since it pertains to the relationship of the story to the audience,” Panela said.

Another speaker, Mark Joseph Tinao, a science content creator, explained that in gaining and building newsworthy content, the most interesting information should be provided in the opening statement of a social media post.

As presented in Tinao’s lecture 'Effective Science Communication on Social Media: Educational Content Creation,' communicating science to the public is not easy; therefore, social media posts or videos must possess both creative and informative content. “As science communicators, we need to present information based on knowledge that is verifiable,” Tinao reminded.

In connection with having a head-turner science content, DOST-STII resident photojournalist Henry A. de Leon talked about the features and functions of DSLR cameras and Smartphone cameras, which produce photos that tell stories.

Participants' learnings from the three lectures were measured and validated through the workshops provided by the resource speakers, where they conducted interviews, took photos, and shot videos in the vicinity of DOST-PNRI.

This Science Journo Ako training workshop is conducted yearly by DOST-STII through partnerships with other institutions, state colleges or universities, and organizations. It aims to spread the culture of science communication and address issues and concerns in the field of science. (By Rhea Mae B. Ruba, DOST-STII)

Student participants from Quezon City Science High School and Philippine Science High School-Main applied the knowledge they gained in the two-day Science Journo Ako training workshop by conducting interviews, photos and videos that they utilized for their science communication outputs.