The Center for Science Communication Research (SCR) at the University of Oregon enhances conversations between scientists and society with synergies between research, experiential education, and creative inquiry. In research, we lead knowledge production in the science of science communication that addresses today’s urgent science communication challenges and opportunities. As researchers who value human voices as well as data and statistics, we create innovative models and useful techniques to help improve the understanding and use of science through four transdisciplinary themes of inquiry:

• Human Response and Adaptation to the Environment,
• Producing Positive Change in Health and Health Equity,
• Numeracy and Critical Reasoning,
• Disruptive and Instructive Media and Technology.

Our research focuses on four key areas:

Human Response and Adaptation to the Environment

Human activity is causing catastrophic damage to our ecosystems. Understanding the barriers to and opportunities for evidence-based communication is crucial to building resilience and climate justice while restoring our natural systems.

Inquiry: How are journalists covering growing wildfire risks in the Pacific Northwest?

Research: As wildfires become more frequent and severe, we’re working on a myriad of projects to understand how journalists are covering wildfire and associated impacts.

 

Producing Positive Change in Health and Health Equity

Health is critical to quality of life, but people often don’t adopt evidence-based health practices. In addition, historically marginalized communities and minority groups are disproportionately affected by negative health outcomes. SCR Associates conduct research designed to identify and implement communication strategies and campaigns to improve individual and public health.

Inquiry: How can scientists help people put health information to practical use?

Research: This study combines genetic cancer screening with behavioral and lifestyle surveys to assess cancer risk. We provide no-cost DNA analysis to assess the risk of certain cancers.

 

Numeracy and Critical Reasoning

What role does numeric reasoning play in decision making? How can we help people process numbers better when making decisions involving science? How do we overcome politically biased beliefs?

Inquiry: How do people process numeric information related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Research: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a rare opportunity to study public risk perception and risk-related behavior in the midst of a worldwide public health emergency.

 

Disruptive and Instructive Media and Technology

How do machine learning and artificial intelligence affect news production and consumption? Can virtual worlds foster social interaction between marginalized and vulnerable communities? How do game-related misogyny and sexism affect female gamers? What interventions can increase participation from underrepresented groups in STEM fields?

Inquiry: How do we encourage students from underrepresented communities to get into STEM fields?

Research: For his National Science Foundation-funded project, “My STEM Story: Scaling STEM Motivation Through Digital Storytelling and Near Peer Relationships,” Madison pairs up students with an interest in STEM for three days while documentary filmmakers follow them. He hopes to reveal whether seeing representation of underrepresented groups in media will influence high school students’ decisions to enroll in more science classes.