<実践報告> 高等教育での科学技術コミュニケーション関連実践についての一考察

Abstract

This paper examines the trends of science and technology communication (STC) activities implemented at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Japan, based on a framework comprising four kinds of STC activities: PR from research institutions, science journalism, two-way scientific dialogue between researchers and citizens, and science education. We reviewed the history of STC in the UK, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. After surveying ten STC activities, it was found that HEIs in Japan have developed a variety of STC models for the last few years. These have succeeded in enhancing citizens' access to science and technology and establishing closer ties between citizens and academic communities. The future challenge for HEIs is to expand and improve STC education, including the liberal arts education for undergraduates, in order to promote greater public engagement in science.