“Science communication is the main channel for the dissemination of scientific information to the general public. Good science journalists are experts in making complex topics accessible to a lay audience, while holding to scientific accuracy” this was told by speakers at a workshop organized by Technology Times in collaboration with Khwarizmi Science Society on “Building media relationship for science popularization” at Invention to Innovation Summit held at Confucius Center, New Campus University of Punjab.

The objective of workshop was to popularize science in a broader context through effective science communication.

Shahzada Irfan from daily The News while delivering lecture said “Science serve the society regardless of cast, creed and religion science has no boundaries”. He further stated that there is number of beats in media houses but there is no beat of science journalism in Pakistan because supply side is absent because academia is not teaching science journalism which results lack of science journalist in Pakistan.

“Science should be presented in non-formal context in the language which can be easily understood by public. Communicating science is not like celebration, one should have to expert in presenting scientific information which is easily accessible to lay man” said Dr. Sabieh Anwar, Secretary General Khwarizmi Science Society.

Dr. Shahla Adnan, faculty member of Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi said, “In order to increase public understanding on science we as a nation have to develop the taste buds of Pakistani community and in this regard, media plays its pivotal part as it is considered to deviate the attention of general public”.

Sayyed Paras Ali, CEO Technology Times explained, “Without a clear understanding of science, it is impossible for general public to engage in meaningful thought, debate, or actions regarding some of the most pressing, controversial, and consequential matters which are facing our society”.

Language barriers create a gap among the scientists, technologists, journalists and the laymen and it can only be eliminated by making science simple and understandable for all, he further added.

The participants of the workshop also discussed the role of scientists as science communicator that need to be addressed and science journalism is the main channel for disseminating the scientific information to general public. In this regard scientists have to be expressive because relationship between scientists and the media can shape the effectual communication of scientific advancement to the lay public.

Participants from different disciplines believes that formal training in science communication can promote the routine practice of science communicator for better understanding to general public.