Paper short abstract:

In this workshop we will work out how to create ways to work together, share knowledges and practices and build a network of people working on social justice and science communication themes - join us!

Paper long abstract:

In this mid-panel discussion workshop we will discuss what kind of network we might like to develop to support this kind of work internationally, with a view to creating a mutually supportive community of collagues with similar research interests. We will bring examples and some hands-on activities (badges, glue-sticks, zines, stickers....?!) to support sharing ideas and building relationships.

We want to collectively think through what resources already exist (intellectually, pragmatically, infrastructure), to map group needs and assets, and to think about what we would like to do and how. Research on social justice themes often finds itself at the margins of science communication and STS research (Finlay et al, 2021, Orthia & Rasekoala, 2021). We want to figure out how to firm up the space, to make it more recognisable, less vulnerable and more supportive for one another. As Simon Lock (workshop co-facilitator) puts it, thinking with Gayle Rubin (2021, p.354), we are looking to create supportive structures that help us build knowledge and practice around social justice approaches in science communication with a wider field of scholars.

We hope you join us :)