Finland’s science communication recommendations
Science communication is valued in Finland as serving science and researchers as well as laying the foundations for societal discourse. The Committee for Public Information in Finland published its first national science communication action plan, Science belongs to everyone! (Tiede kuuluu kaikille!), in 2013.
Recognizing that science communication is being carried out by an increasing number of parties in a changing culture of information exchange, members of the Finnish scientific community considered it essential to support researchers in participating in societal debate. There was also a call for improvement in the methods for monitoring, rewarding and critically evaluating the societal impact of research.
A set of recommendations, Bold communication, responsible influence. Science communication recommendations (in Finnish, Viesti rohkeasti, vaikuta vastuullisesti. Tiedeviestinn?n suositukset, ), are intended to help science to become more visible and influential in Finnish society. They are intended for everyone who works with science and those who communicate on science.
The recommendations on science communication also reflect the spirit of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 27: “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” The purpose of these recommendations is to provide a shared starting point and source of inspiration for all those engaged in science, learning and education.
The recommendations can be summarized in five principles:
- Science education is accessible
- Science education is broad-based
- Science education enables participation
- Science education is collective
- Science education is inspiring and rewarding.
The recommendations also offer tips and ideas to provoke thought to support their implementation.
To support the Science Communication Recommendation, a new set of guidelines are being developed to support the Freedom of Speech for Researchers and experts. A wider set of recommendations are further being developed for Ethical guidelines for Science Communication, which will be published at the end of 2026.
Contributed by Reetta Kettunen and Henriikka Mustajoki, Committee for Public Information, Finland.
Committee for Public Information, Finland