Trust in science and the freedom and safety of scientists are interlinked. To tackle these issues, which face evolving pressures in the digital age, the HSRC joined fellow scientists, journalists and communication practitioners in a UNESCO-organised webinar focused on promoting scientific freedom and ensuring the safety of scientists. Webinar participants discussed public mistrust in science, the urgent need for stronger protective measures, the importance of scientific literacy, and the role of partnerships and science diplomacy in fostering trust. By Jessie-Lee Smith and Kutlwano Mohale
On 11 July 2024, the HSRC participated in a webinar organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Department of Science and Innovation. The UNESCO Webinar on Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists focused on promoting scientific freedom, ensuring the safety of scientists, and addressing public mistrust in science through open dialogue and collaboration. The primary aim was to initiate discussions on how South Africa can implement the common priorities outlined in the Call to Action on the Freedom and Safety of Scientists.
Bolstering the safety of scientists was a strong theme in the webinar. Dr Martiale Gaetan Zebaze Kana from UNESCO highlighted the frequency of violent incidents, noting that scientific findings have led to physical and sexual threats in the past. Citing a study by Nature, Kana explained that of 321 scientists who had spoken to the media about COVID-19, 47 had received death threats, and 72 had received threats of physical and sexual violence. He said more robust protective measures and policies will improve the safety and freedom of scientists.
Dr Derrick Swartz from the Ocean Sciences Campus at Nelson Mandela University illustrated the importance of scrutinising and understanding the relationship between power and science, considering historical incidents of violence experienced by scientists and perpetuated by powerful entities, such as the Roman Catholic Church during the Renaissance. However, Swartz explained that he not only referred to religious, political, and economic powers, but to power in the more general sense of the word. He cited the example of social media as a powerful force: “To a scientifically illiterate or underdeveloped society, [social media] can also foster the same sort of convulsive forces railed against science and scientists.”
Carlton Mukwevho from the South African National Commission for UNESCO argued that scientific evidence could combat harmful practices espoused by religious powers. Mukwevho referred to an incident in 2016 where a Limpopo pastor, Lethebo Rabalago, became infamous for spraying people in the face with insect repellent, which he claimed could heal HIV and cancer. This was not an isolated incident, and in 2018, the BBC published an article about a wave of unorthodox ‘religious’ rituals that swept South Africa around that time. “Without science, in my view, religion would be reigning supreme and teaching us that the world is not round and to murder those who think otherwise,” Mukwevho said.
Swartz said societies must develop scientific literacy to strengthen the freedom and safety of scientists in relation to power structures. This, he argued, would be in response to how the power of social media has eroded scientific literacy over the last decade. “We need to raise the level of consciousness about what science is and what it is not, its limits and its possibilities,” Swartz said.
“Misinformation has eroded the public’s trust in science,” the HSRC’s Dr Konosoang Sobane said during her presentation at the webinar. “Now [science communicators] have to spend additional time and resources debunking myths,” she continued. Sobane introduced the role science communicators play in combatting the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. She explained that the jobs of science communicators have become harder because inaccurate information and news spread so rapidly today through social media and digital platforms.
Sobane argued that, in the past, misinformation has led to public misunderstanding, fear, and harmful behaviours. Providing a recent example, Mandi Smallhorne, president of the South African Science Journalists Association, spoke about the consequences of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. “People died because of those wrong messages. I know somebody who died because of those wrong messages. It was a couple in Pretoria. They refused the vaccination. The parents died, and the son, … in his 30s refusing vaccination as well because of this ideology around vaccination,” she said.
Sobane said filling the science communication education gap at learning institutions will strengthen trust between scientists and the public. She stressed the importance of communicators having science knowledge and communication skills to ensure confidence. She also suggested that policymakers implement robust anti-harassment laws and hate speech legislation to protect scientists and science communicators.
Smallhorne said that a decline in independent science journalism may hinder trust in science, which has historically held scientists accountable. “Science communication is vital, but not impartial,” she said, arguing that, unlike science journalism, science communication is not meant to question science but rather to present the positive aspects of it. “They will be talking about how exciting this is and what prospects this holds. They will not be talking about the negatives. Questioning science is key to scientific freedom and safety,” she said.
Smallhorne emphasised the importance of training and experience in science journalism. “Otherwise, the public is increasingly exposed to unchecked and unsubstantiated science news,” she said. “The public does not understand uncertainty … that there’s no such thing as a proven hypothesis. You can’t prove research findings. You can only strengthen them. Therefore, you need somebody clever, skilled and experienced to talk about it,” she continued.
Another theme highlighted in the webinar was the need for strong partnerships among scientists and researchers in Africa. Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng from the African Academy of Sciences emphasised the importance of scientific diplomacy and the development of trust through effective communication. Science diplomacy activities include capacity development, technology transfer, knowledge sharing, joint research initiatives and conflict resolution. These can improve the understanding of global challenges, such as climate change, food security, disease control and health in the African context, to bridge the gap between science and policy.
With science diplomacy, countries can collaboratively create new technologies, industries and jobs. Oti-Boateng also said that scientists and researchers should maintain links between science, society and policy by producing and effectively communicating credible and accurate findings to diverse audiences, such as policymakers, corporations, the media and the public.
Dr Monnamme Tlotleng, a principal researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), spoke about the role of STEMI (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation) organisations in advocating for just inclusion and recognition, particularly after historical repression. Citing the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063 and the National Development Plan 2030, Tlotleng said African scientists must be freed to innovate and contribute to societal development through the free movement of people, goods and services. To achieve this, we need policies that challenge the aspirations, funding mechanisms, and related dynamics that prevent African ownership of scientific contributions through exploitative partnerships.
Two key resolutions emanated from deliberations during the webinar: toconduct an in-country survey, and to engage with legislators or professional bodies. The survey would aim to understand South Africa’s issues and concerns regarding intimidation and violence against scientists, allowing for planning on how to address the freedom and safety of scientists in the country. Engaging with legislators or professional bodies can lead to an understanding of, and contributions to, the introduction of regulations, laws and policies that protect scientists and ensure their freedom.
Future deliberations will include focus group discussions to explore key points and formulate policy recommendations and action plans. Another platform for the follow-up sessions will be at the Science Forum South Africa 2024.
Research contacts
Dr Konosoang Sobane, a chief research specialist in the HSRC Impact Centre, and Kutlwano Mohale, a DSI intern in the HSRC’s Strategic Partnerships Unit in the Office of the CEO.
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