Science Communication as a Collective Intelligence Endeavor: A Manifesto and Examples for Implementation

Sci Commun. 2023 Aug;45(4):539-554. doi: 10.1177/10755470231162634. Epub 2023 Apr 4.

Abstract

Effective science communication is challenging when scientific messages are informed by a continually updating evidence base and must often compete against misinformation. We argue that we need a new program of science communication as collective intelligence-a collaborative approach, supported by technology. This would have four key advantages over the typical model where scientists communicate as individuals: scientific messages would be informed by (a) a wider base of aggregated knowledge, (b) contributions from a diverse scientific community, (c) participatory input from stakeholders, and (d) better responsiveness to ongoing changes in the state of knowledge.

Keywords: collective intelligence; epistemic diversity; knowledge aggregation; knowledge updating; participatory input; science communication.