For any enquiries, please contact the organising team: info (AT) japansci.com
Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Tokyo, Japan
Abstract submission deadline: June 8, 2025 17:00 JST
Abstract acceptance notification: July 8, 2025 17:00 JST
The PCST Symposium 2025 Tokyo, Japan, will bring together researchers, practitioners, lecturers, and other scholars in and around science communication to discuss the strategic development of science communication and public engagement across Asia. With a focus on non-Western contexts, this symposium aims to highlight innovative research and practices that address the region's unique challenges and opportunities in fostering sustainable science communication ecosystems. The discussions will centre on how to professionalise science communication, enhance education and training, and bridge the gap between research and society. While the symposium focuses on Japan and the wider Asia region, it welcomes participants from the West and other regions to share their work and engage in discussions about making it relevant to non-Western contexts.
The symposium will engage in two key thematic areas: Education and Training, with a focus on formalising and expanding science communication programmes across Asia, including collaborations with industry and cultural institutions and integrating AI and digital skills; and Science and Society, which will explore how to effectively connect research with public needs through co-creation, policy development, and impact measurement. Special attention will be given to addressing multilingual communication, cultural contexts, and regional media landscapes, ensuring that science communication is inclusive and relevant to diverse publics across Japan and the Asia region.
Theme 1: Education and Training—How can we establish formal and informal education and training programmes in Asia to professionalise science communication?
Core Teaching Competencies: Defining core competencies for science communicators by identifying essential skills and knowledge areas for professionalisation.
Beyond Science Academia: Expanding science communication training beyond universities by exploring collaborations with industry, museums, and cultural institutions.
Global Models and Studies: Adapting global models of science communication education by drawing lessons from diverse regions and their applicability to non-Western contexts.
AI and Digital Skills: Advancing digital skills and AI learning in science communication by leveraging online tools to enhance professional development.
Theme 2: Science and Society—How can we bridge the gap between science communication research and practice to engage with diverse audiences?
Integrating Research into Practice: Applying research insights to real-world use, considering cultural contexts and policy development.
Aligning Goals with Public Needs: Bridging research objectives with societal expectations, addressing multilingual communication and local cultural differences.
Co-Creation in Science Communication: Fostering collaboration between researchers, industry, and diverse communities, with an emphasis on shaping policies that reflect public input.
Measuring and Enhancing Impact: Assessing the effectiveness of evidence-based approaches to influence policy and public discourse.
DAY 1 (Tue, November 11)
12:00 – 13:00 Registration
13:00 – 14:00 Opening Panel: Setting the scene
14:00 – 15:00 Contributed Talks Session 1
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee Break
15:30 – 16:30 Contributed Talks Session 2
16:30 – 17:15 Big Idea Keynote
(Group photo will be taken after the keynote)
18:00 – 19:30 Movie Screening
DAY 2 (Wed, November 12)
09:30 – 09:45 Morning Coffee
09:45 – 10:30 Japan Panel: Past, Present, Future of SciCom
10:30 – 12:30 Working Group Session 1
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:00 Working Group Session 2
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee Break
16:30 – 17:15 Big Idea Keynote
17:45 – 20:00 Dinner
DAY 3 (Thu, November 13)
09:30 – 11:00 Working Group Discussion
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:30 Conclusion Panel: Moving Forward
Post-Symposium Events (optional)
14:00 – 15:30 EurekAlert! Japan User Meeting
15:30 – 17:00 Workshops
Ayumi Koso, National Institute of Genetics (NIG) · @iyoumek
Thilina Heenatigala, Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) · @ThilinaH
Tomomi Okubo, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) · @imomofolio
Euan McKay, Nagoya University · @euanmckay
Danielle Ellenby, Kyushu University · @DaniEllenby
Naoki Namba, Hokkaido University
Motoko Kakubayashi, Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli-IPMU), The University of Tokyo
Thilina Heenatigala, Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI)
Ayumi Koso, National Institute of Genetics (NIG)
Heather Doran, University of Dundee
Anne Dijkstra, University of Twente
Motoko Okumoto, CoSTEP, Hokkaido University
Hiromi Yokoyama, Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli-IPMU), The University of Tokyo
Magdeline Pokar, CEO and Founder, Asia Research News
Aleta Johnston, International Science Council - Asia Chapter