La Fe Health Research Institute reflects on the Importance of Scientific Communication and Outreach at the "Cuenta Ciencia" Conference

La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS La Fe) held the "Cuenta Ciencia" Conference on January 16th and 17th, aimed at providing researchers with tools and reflections to better communicate and disseminate their research. During the event, expert speakers offered practical and personal insights into how to bring science closer to society.

The conference focused on the communication of R&D&i and the dissemination of scientific knowledge, reflecting on its importance in the researcher's curriculum and in project applications.

Communication and Outreach in Research

Conchi Lillo, a professor at the University of Salamanca and researcher at the Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, inaugurated the conference. Lillo encouraged attendees to embrace outreach as a social responsibility and a commitment to the public.

In the scientific communication segment, Carlos Romá-Mateo, Associate Professor and researcher at the University of Valencia, and Kristin Suleng, Communication Manager at the University of Valencia Science Park, humorously staged a satire about the misunderstandings between researchers and journalists. This representation highlighted the importance of intermediary figures, such as those responsible for Units of Scientific Culture and Innovation (UCC+I), to facilitate the communication of scientific knowledge in an understandable way.

José Plaza, Head of Communication at the Carlos III Health Institute, emphasized the need to properly select messages to maximize the social impact of science. Plaza encouraged researchers to collaborate with communication departments to ensure effective dissemination.

Sergio Ferrer, a specialized journalist, concluded this segment by emphasizing the importance of translating technical reports into everyday language, explaining not only the results but also the processes, challenges, and controversies that arise in research.

In the outreach section, Julián Cerón, a researcher at IDIBELL, presented his podcast "Raticos de Ciencia," sharing his experience and offering practical tips for incorporating outreach into daily research activities. Anabel Forte (University of Valencia) highlighted the importance of statistics in scientific outreach and how this discipline helps communicate the uncertainty and complexity inherent in science with rigor.

Patients, Scientific Culture, and Researcher Curriculum

The Friday session began with Miquel Calvet, science journalist at CIBERER, who discussed how to effectively communicate with patients, avoiding creating unrealistic expectations and encouraging their active participation in research.

César López from FECYT explained the funding opportunities for promoting scientific culture, offering practical advice for submitting projects.

The event concluded with a roundtable discussion featuring Cintia Refojo, Head of Scientific Communication Advancement-FECYT, Laia Tolosa, researcher at IIS La Fe, Carlos Romá-Mateo from the University of Valencia, and Mariola Penadés (Ministry of Health). The discussion revolved around the importance of communicating and disseminating research, who should lead this task, and how scientific outreach is valued in the researcher's curriculum.

Finally, Mariola Penadés, Director General of Research and Innovation at the Conselleria de Sanidad, closed the event alongside Pilar Nos, the new Scientific Director of IIS La Fe, highlighting the need to strengthen the relationship between science and society.