Background
Translating science into messages, recommendations and actions that are easily comprehensible, accessible and relevant to different audiences is a vital element of health emergency preparedness. An ongoing dialogue between researchers, the public, the media, the health workforce and decision-makers is crucial to increase understanding, trust and engagement in science and public health measures based on such science.
Science translation in public health emergencies requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary community including actors from research, media, policy and practice to ensure it meets the needs, background knowledge and concerns of all relevant stakeholders.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much science and evidence-based public health measures can affect people’s lives. Journalists, healthcare workers, religious leaders, teachers and others had to become science communicators to fulfil their professional roles. They need to be supported to do so effectively and accurately. At the same time, researchers were requested to communicate their results transparently and explain the underlying scientific process.
Recognizing the challenge and importance of making science accessible and understandable to all, WHO convened a global conference in June 2021 to learn from the public and over 60 experts about how to effectively communicate science during health emergencies.
WHO Information Network for epidemics (EPI-WIN) is developing a manual with action-oriented and evidence-based best practice principles to strengthen stakeholders’ capacities to engage in science translation for better health emergency preparedness. The manual will consist of an introductory chapter covering the concept and relevance of science translation for health emergency preparedness. Four chapters will then provide best practice principles for the main science translation stakeholder groups, including a chapter for media professionals.
Objective
To develop a chapter titled “science translation for media professionals” as part of a WHO science translation manual, to support media and communication professionals in translating science in public health emergencies in a quick but accurate manner, that is based on best practices and evidence.
Deliverables:
This project consists of researching and writing the “science translation for media professionals” chapter of the science translation manual. This chapter will be a sub-section of the overall manual. The expected deliverables are:
- Research the literature, including grey literature to identify:
- Challenges and solutions to translating science as media professionals
- Best practices and tools on science translation during health emergencies for media professionals
- Information on topics as described in the below subheadings
- Write
a first draft of the “science translation for media professionals”
chapter of the science translation manual. This chapter will be a
sub-section of the overall manual and will include the below (sub)
headings:
- The meaning of science translation in the context of journalistic and editorial work
- Challenges and solutions to translating science during health emergencies as media professionals
- Evidence, best practices and tools on science translation for media professionals
- Understanding and working with different stakeholders
- Increasing scientific literacy and understanding, including
- How to identify and interact with trustworthy sources
- How to read and judge the quality of scientific articles, including pre-prints
- How to effectively communicate research results including
- How to report uncertainty inherent to the scientific process
- How to reach audiences with varying (scientific) literacy skills
- How to address mis- and disinformation
- How to prepare for the next health emergency
- Setting up collaboration mechanisms
- Capacity building resources
- Promoting investment in science journalism
Qualification
- Strong background in public health and science communication
- Proven experience of science journalism in public health emergencies or communicating science in health emergencies to different stakeholders.
- Practical experience of capacity building for media and communication professionals
- Language: Expert knowledge of English is required.
Time Frame: 15 October 2022 – 15 January 2022
Place of assignment
The project can be completed remotely.
Travel
No travel is anticipated.
Compensation
Payment will be commensurate with experience of the service provider/team.
Application procedure
Interested organizations and applicants should send an email to epi-win@who.int by 22 September 18:00 CET. Please indicate the project name in the subject line of your email.
Applicants are kindly requested to include the following information in their application:
- A cover letter describing their motivation for application and highlighting any specific skill or experience relevant,
- CVs of all team members,
- A cost estimate and proposed work plan including timeline.