A cultura de divulgação científica em programas de pós-graduação em química: diagnóstico e intervenções em universidades federais vinculadas ao INCT-MIDAS

Abstract

In a context of growing misinformation on social media and the discrediting of scientific knowledge, public science communication actions are imperative in institutions responsible for most of Brazil's scientific production. Therefore, this dissertation sought to promote a culture of science communication through training interventions in graduate programs in Chemistry at the Federal Universities of Amazonas (UFAM), Goiás (UFG), Minas Gerais (UFMG), Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), and Santa Catarina (UFSC). The methodology adopted was applied and adopted a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative), employing technical action research procedures. An initial assessment, conducted through a questionnaire, revealed a clear dichotomy between a high perception of the importance of science communication and a low level of effective practice. A significant gap in the participants' training was identified, with more than half having never participated in courses or courses on the topic, highlighting perceived difficulties in adapting scientific language. In response to participants' needs, a training course on science communication for social media was designed and implemented, structured in remote and in-person modules. The results reveal the effectiveness of the intervention in developing and enhancing public science communication skills and demonstrate a highly positive impact on participants. Notably, confidence and self-perception in communicating science to different audiences improved significantly, and the majority stated that the course contributed significantly to their academic development. Furthermore, the intervention sparked or reinforced interest in communicating science to non-specialized audiences in 87.3% of participants. Finally, the conclusions indicate the need to formalize science communication policies and continuously encourage training in public science communication so that scientific knowledge transcends the walls of academia and fulfils its role in society.