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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Commun.
Sec. Science and Environmental Communication
Volume 9 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fcomm.2024.1427033

Web-based science communication at Research Institute level: balancing dissemination, dialogue and promotion in a major Italian scientific Institution

Provisionally accepted
Rita Giuffredi Rita Giuffredi 1Valentina Grasso Valentina Grasso 2*Alba L'Astorina Alba L'Astorina 3
  • 1 Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, IRCRES CNR, Rome, Italy
  • 2 Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR IBE, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
  • 3 Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, IREA CNR, Milano, Italy

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    This study examines the online communication practices of research institutes affiliated with the Italian National Research Council. The analysis employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate whether these institutes leverage digital technologies to transition from a unidirectional, strategic approach to communication towards a more dialogic and engaging approach with the public. Specifically, the study analyses the institutes' websites, assessing their use of communication tools, content, target audience, knowledge flows, and contextualization of communication activities, while also highlighting disciplinary-based differences. Although recent research identified Research Institutes' level as a promising ground for research communication to flourish, our study suggests that, on average, they still employ digital technologies in the same way as traditional media, disseminating information about institutional advancements rather than fostering interactive dialogue. Communication styles remain grounded in dissemination and strategic models, which restricts the ability of research institutes to develop a dynamic and transformative relationship with society.

    Keywords: Public communication of science and technology, Public engagement with science and technology, Strategic communication, Digital science communication, Institutional Communication of Science

    Received: 02 May 2024; Accepted: 12 Aug 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Giuffredi, Grasso and L'Astorina. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Valentina Grasso, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR IBE, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy

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