Dear Colleague,

Before you decide, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve.

Thank you,

Lars Guenther (LMU Munich, Germany) and Marina Joubert (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Aim of this study

In this survey, we would like to learn more about how science communicators (e.g., science journalists, institutional science communicators, scientists) work today and what they think about the future of the field. In particular, we are interested in the criteria that influence the selection of science topics and the possible impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on science communication.

Confidentiality

All information pertaining to this study will be gathered and stored securely at LMU Munich. Online surveys will be completed on an encrypted/password-protected website. All related data will be kept on a password-protected computer. Only researchers participating in this study will have access to these records. Questionnaire data will be automatically de-identified (i.e., anonymised) by the survey tool SoSciSurvey before the researchers see it. The information may be shared with other researchers and/or used for future studies without additional consent. This research involves the transmission of data over the Internet. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the effective and secure use of available technology; however, confidentiality during online communication cannot be guaranteed. 

Risks

The risks of participating in this study are minimal. You may feel uncomfortable discussing your professional situation, working practices, or the future of the profession. These risks are comparable to those you might experience when talking about these topics with others.

Benefits

There are no direct benefits or compensation for your participation. However, your responses will help highlight both the positive and negative aspects of the professional situation and working practices of science communicators, as well as shape the future of science communication as a profession.

Voluntary Participation and Person to Contact

Participation in this study is voluntary, and you can stop participating at any time without any negative consequences. If you decide to stop participating while completing the survey, all responses (entered up to that point) will be deleted. If you have questions, complaints, or concerns about this study, please contact the researchers by e-mail at lars.guenther@ifkw.lmu.de or marinajoubert@sun.ac.za.