Digital media in crisis situations: rethinking their role and function
Special online event: 1st March 2021, 15.30-16.30 CET, 14.30-15.30 UK
Introduction
The coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate our news and media, as governments around the world grapple with the crisis and its effects. Science advisors have gained high public profiles, with frequent media appearances that emphasise that government policy is ‘science-led’. At the same time, the pandemic has coincided with a climate of populism, ‘post-truth’ and ‘fake news’, made easier by social media and other digital platforms that can spread misinformation, uncertainty and fear. As a global programme of vaccination gets into full swing, the anti-vax movement is active.
What has been the role of the media, including social media and local news, on our public debate, attitudes and behaviour during this current pandemic? As we emerge from this crisis, could we rethink the role that media and digital platforms play in facilitating the flow of information and dialogue between experts, policymakers and the public, particularly in emergency situations?
Our panellists
- Professor Andreas Hepp MAE, Professor of Media and Communications, University of Bremen
- Professor Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, Professor at Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
- Professor Ortwin Renn, Scientific Director at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Potsdam, and Chair of the SAPEA Working Group on Making Sense of Science for Policy
- Dr Nicholas Clifton, Innovator, authentiSci
Chaired by Professor Ole Petersen, Vice-President for Academia Europaea, the panel includes leading experts from Germany and Wales, with contributions by Professor Rudolf Allemann, Cardiff’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, International and Student Recruitment and Head of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering and Professor Eva-Maria Feichtner, Bremen’s Vice-President International and Diversity. The Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor Peter Halligan, will represent the Welsh Government.
About the webinar
The event is open to all across the world and free to attend. You, the audience, will be able to interact with the panellists through Q&A.
This event is a partnership between: Academia Europaea, University of Bremen, Cardiff University, SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) and in support of the Welsh Government’s Wales in Germany 2021 initiative which celebrates the strong ties between Germany and Wales.
Register for this webinar
Please join us on this special occasion. Further details and registration are here:
More about AE Cardiff’s work in Science Advice
As a member of the consortium of European academies (SAPEA), Academia Europaea coordinated a major evidence review on best practice in science advice. The report, Making Sense of Science for Policy, is available here.