The Importance of Science Communication and Public Engagement to Professional Associations
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| Title: | The Importance of Science Communication and Public Engagement to Professional Associations |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Martine Dunnwald (ORCID |
| Source: | Anatomical Sciences Education. 2025 18(12):1440-1446. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) |
| Contract Number: | 24144883 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Science Education, Professional Associations, Anatomy, Scientific and Technical Information, Scientists, Public Education, Communication (Thought Transfer), Information Dissemination |
| DOI: | 10.1002/ase.70017 |
| ISSN: | 1935-9772 1935-9780 |
| Abstract: | Scientific associations exist to serve their members and advance their science. They also provide a platform for scientists to communicate their science and engage with the public, such as hosting free resources on their web pages and organizing outreach activities with local communities. Historically, scientific associations were often internally focused. Despite the common stereotype of exclusive clubs of gentleman naturalists, there are numerous examples since the 17th century of scientific associations encouraging public engagement. This became increasingly common, and throughout the last several decades, scientific associations like the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) have been working to make changes in how science, scientists, and the public work together to produce the best scientific outcomes. This viewpoint defines different levels of relationships between the scientist and the public and how they affect outcomes related to the public's trust in science and scientists. It then provides a historical perspective on how associations have contributed to the communication of science. Lastly, it discusses the role of associations in science communication and public engagement and whether it is important for associations and why. It concludes with examples of the strategic programs of AAA that demonstrate how scientific associations can support public engagement, resulting in benefits to the public, scientists, and the anatomical sciences. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1491286 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| FullText | Links: – Type: pdflink Url: https://content.ebscohost.com/cds/retrieve?content=AQICAHj0k_4E0hTGH8RJwT4gCJyBsGNe_WN95AvKlDbXJGqwxwHMr4h324mknok1Jgk-W4LiAAAA4jCB3wYJKoZIhvcNAQcGoIHRMIHOAgEAMIHIBgkqhkiG9w0BBwEwHgYJYIZIAWUDBAEuMBEEDJXB-UvJFrMCti3BuAIBEICBmlC9k95JzJ0KJ1af0xsEuEMFnKMszk48p8vsIkXhoMQ-HmJimcXHCqfIV9GNsdKcvw3wDrd5CmqrlYcKvWhou08shHek5AgvnkxpPb-UAtKY8SVQ_Jsq0ZrKuaqASuysKnXMgoSITGw7LYNfsBUYTEpyC7bqjKTS9cl5hcpO2UrkupCQM6UxBx1WBULTUlPEtMu5oAAMqhOSvKc= Text: Availability: 1 Value: <anid>AN0192266439;[8z8k]01dec.25;2026Mar16.05:23;v2.2.500</anid> <title id="AN0192266439-1">The importance of science communication and public engagement to professional associations </title> <p>Scientific associations exist to serve their members and advance their science. They also provide a platform for scientists to communicate their science and engage with the public, such as hosting free resources on their web pages and organizing outreach activities with local communities. Historically, scientific associations were often internally focused. Despite the common stereotype of exclusive clubs of gentleman naturalists, there are numerous examples since the 17th century of scientific associations encouraging public engagement. This became increasingly common, and throughout the last several decades, scientific associations like the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) have been working to make changes in how science, scientists, and the public work together to produce the best scientific outcomes. This viewpoint defines different levels of relationships between the scientist and the public and how they affect outcomes related to the public's trust in science and scientists. It then provides a historical perspective on how associations have contributed to the communication of science. Lastly, it discusses the role of associations in science communication and public engagement and whether it is important for associations and why. It concludes with examples of the strategic programs of AAA that demonstrate how scientific associations can support public engagement, resulting in benefits to the public, scientists, and the anatomical sciences.</p> <p>Keywords: association; engagement; public; science communication</p> <p>Scientists have gathered in professional associations to promote science to the public. The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has invested resources in programs to promote anatomical sciences to the public (high school level via the Anato‐Bee; all levels via Anatomy nights) and train scientists how to talk to the public (SciComm Bootcamp).</p> <p> <img src="https://imageserver.ebscohost.com/img/embimages/rdk/8Z8K/01dec25/ase70017-toc-0001.jpg?ephost1=dGJyMMvl7ESepq84yOvsOLCmsE6epq5Srqa4SK6WxWXS" alt="ase70017-toc-0001.jpg" title="." /> </p> <p></p> <hd id="AN0192266439-3">INTRODUCTION</hd> <p>Science is a discipline that involves rigorous testing of hypotheses, peer review, and repeatability, with much discourse among scientists; yet, through centuries, scientists have struggled to make connections with the public to communicate what benefits it can provide. It has been over 500 years since Copernicus published his solar system theory that the earth rotates around the sun; yet, there is still a proportion of the world's population that does not believe it. Similarly, Darwin revealed in his <emph>Theorum on the origins of life</emph> that humans have much in common with animal species, a theory that, despite further validation with genome sequencing, continues to be challenged. More recently, false beliefs around vaccines causing autism, debates around climate change, the origins of COVID, and diseases associated with genetically modified food have fueled the mistrust of the general public for science and scientists. These pseudo‐scientific beliefs are among the greatest challenges that science and scientists face today. There are many reasons why this disconnect exists, including the challenge of presenting complex information in a form accessible to the general public. In addition, the principles of empirical science lead to a hesitancy to describe scientific paradigms as facts, opening the door for journalists and social influencers to describe these scientific paradigms as uncertain. In addition, there are few opportunities for non‐scientists to practice science in day‐to‐day life, isolating the field of science and making it reserved for the expert. To reduce these barriers, we need to engage the public in meaningful communication.[[<reflink idref="bib1" id="ref1">1</reflink>], [<reflink idref="bib3" id="ref2">3</reflink>]]</p> <p>As scientific knowledge has expanded exponentially, it has become more specialized. Scientists with similar interests have formed communities to share knowledge and resources and have organized themselves in professional organizations often referred to as "associations." These associations have become a potential new platform to engage with the public about scientific matters and contribute to demystifying them. Have organizations engaged in such dialogs? If so, what have they done to engage with the public? Ultimately, what is the importance of communicating with the public for their mission? In this viewpoint, we provide the perspective from leaders of the American Association for Anatomy and describe how engaging with the public has benefited our professional organization and our members.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-4">FROM SCIENCE COMMUNICATION TO PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT</hd> <p>Science communication is defined by any form of communication (action of exchanging information) about science (from the Latin <emph>scire</emph>: to know; knowledge of the natural world through experimentation and testing of evidence against the evidence obtained) and can take many forms (oral presentations, publications, videos, interactive activities). Fundamentally, they can be reduced to audio/visual communication, or more often referred to as written and oral communications. The written communication can be words on paper or infographics, whereas the oral communication relies on a person to make sound to share information. In all instances, this form of communication is passive, as the only actor is the person writing or speaking; the audience typically does not participate in this form of communication. Note that the content and the scientific level at which it is shared with the audience are variable.</p> <p>Public engagement can be distinct from science communication.[[<reflink idref="bib4" id="ref3">4</reflink>]] The term public engagement typically refers to a way to bring citizens together to solve problems that affect people's lives.[<reflink idref="bib6" id="ref4">6</reflink>] In the context of science, it describes an intentional, meaningful set of interactions between citizens and communities that provide opportunities for mutual learning between scientists and members of the public. As such, it requires a buy‐in from both the scientist and the member of the public who become mutually active.[[<reflink idref="bib4" id="ref5">4</reflink>]]</p> <p>Both science communication and public engagement could be described along an evolutionary continuum, from passive dissemination of scientific facts to dialog with the public, and finally to its participation in scientific activities.[[<reflink idref="bib7" id="ref6">7</reflink>], [<reflink idref="bib9" id="ref7">9</reflink>]] Based on this simple model, public engagement would be the most meaningful way to communicate science. In reality, all the forms of communication coexist in the dissemination of the scientific evidence. Dialog and participation thus have become crucial parts of science and technology communication, and as such, shape public engagement and expertise. Ultimately, it creates a space where multiple viewpoints can come together with the (hopeful) result that each participant leaves the conversation with a better appreciation of what others value.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-5">HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS</hd> <p>In 17th century Western culture, the earliest scientific associations (called "societies") were exclusive clubs of wealthy, highly educated men. The members were primarily amateur "natural philosophers" from a leisure class sharing their increasing use of experimental methods with a generalist audience. Many were of the aristocracy, but all had financial resources to allow them time for their scientific pursuits.[<reflink idref="bib10" id="ref8">10</reflink>] These societies were centered around correspondence, meetings, and publications to advance and discuss scientific work, primarily among themselves. The Royal Society of London in England (1660), the Académie des Sciences in France (1666), and the Berlin Academy in Germany (1700) were all founded in this period.[<reflink idref="bib10" id="ref9">10</reflink>] Although these early societies were largely inward‐facing, emphasizing peer recognition and promoting scientific work among a select group, one can see early evidence of the value placed on sharing their work with the lay community. The success of early periodicals like the <emph>Journal des sçavans</emph> associated with the Académie des Sciences and the <emph>Philosophical Transactions</emph> of the Royal Society has been attributed to a broad public appeal that extended far beyond their members.[<reflink idref="bib10" id="ref10">10</reflink>] Public lectures were also a staple of expectations for society members. The Royal Society adopted a resolution requiring all council members to share their work "at some publique meeting" within the year or be fined 40 shillings.[<reflink idref="bib11" id="ref11">11</reflink>] In France, the statutes of the Académie des Sciences required that lectures be open to the public twice annually.[<reflink idref="bib10" id="ref12">10</reflink>]</p> <p>As the 17th century drew to a close, the Royal Society engaged in a massive effort of public engagement. This was the "Age of Exploration," and maritime navigation was challenged by the inability to accurately estimate longitude (east–west position) while at sea. The Royal Society made a tremendous push to engage with a diverse range of artisans and specialists in an effort to solve this scientific problem. They lobbied the British government to enact the Longitude Act of 1714, which offered a significant financial reward to anyone who could devise a practical and accurate method to determine a ship's longitude at sea.[<reflink idref="bib12" id="ref13">12</reflink>] John Harrison, a self‐taught clockmaker, developed a series of highly accurate marine timekeepers (marine chronometers), contributing significantly to the solution. The Royal Society's role in the longitude problem set a precedent for how scientific societies could mobilize resources, influence policy, and encourage innovation to tackle significant public challenges.</p> <p>In the 19th century, scientific associations diversified to include specialized fields such as geology, chemistry, and anthropology. The Association of American Anatomists (now American Association for Anatomy [AAA]) was founded in 1888 with an inaugural meeting of 14 men in Washington, D.C. These were almost entirely physicians or surgeons who expressed a goal of advancing anatomical sciences,[<reflink idref="bib13" id="ref14">13</reflink>] presumably as a specialization within the broader pursuit of medicine. This century marked a transition from generalist science organizations to a more professional and field‐specific approach. William Whewell is credited with coining the term "scientist" in 1833, emphasizing dedication to scientific inquiry as a professional role.[<reflink idref="bib14" id="ref15">14</reflink>] Although still governed by individuals of high socioeconomic status throughout this period, scientific associations began to include members from the emerging middle class. Members were more likely to be professional scientists or engineers who had formal training but were not part of the upper social class.</p> <p>In addition to increased specialization, the 19th century brought a greater interest in making scientific knowledge more accessible to a broader audience. This shift coincided with the rise of public education, libraries, and popular science lectures.[<reflink idref="bib15" id="ref16">15</reflink>] Descriptions of scientific achievements were presented to lay audiences in the burgeoning mainstream periodical press.[<reflink idref="bib16" id="ref17">16</reflink>] Reports of experimental work were found side‐by‐side with poetry and serialized novels in popular periodicals like <emph>Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine</emph> or family‐oriented monthlies like the <emph>Cornhill Magazine</emph>.[<reflink idref="bib17" id="ref18">17</reflink>] Public health crises and industrial advancements highlighted the practical importance of scientific knowledge, motivating societies to advocate for the application of science to solve societal problems. Scientific societies like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) began to prioritize public engagement and the democratization of scientific knowledge. This led to more public‐facing publications and outreach.</p> <p>The 20th century, particularly post‐World War II, marked a significant shift in how scientific societies viewed their role in the broader community. This was the era when public lectures, science fairs, and educational TV programs became more common, promoting a culture of science literacy across a broader spectrum of the community. The emergence of radio, television, and eventually the internet allowed scientific associations to reach the public more effectively. These associations recognized a need for greater transparency and public involvement, and they began to influence policy more directly, engaging with governments and non‐governmental organizations to promote science‐driven policy decisions and public health campaigns. These efforts were apparent in the activities of the American Medical Association and American Public Health Association during the 1918–1919 Spanish flu epidemic.[<reflink idref="bib18" id="ref19">18</reflink>]</p> <p>Despite all the past efforts to efficiently communicate scientific content and engage the public with science‐related matters, the diffusion theory of science communication and public engagement has been recently criticized.[<reflink idref="bib19" id="ref20">19</reflink>] The assumption that scientific reports can be made accessible does not necessarily mean that the intended audience will have any inclination to get the message. Citizen science programs have been a creative way of promoting the active engagement of the lay public (reviewed in Ref. [[<reflink idref="bib20" id="ref21">20</reflink>]]). The more recent emergence of social media has further expanded the possibilities for sharing science between the public and scientists, at the largest scale of the entire planet.[<reflink idref="bib21" id="ref22">21</reflink>] These platforms allow for sharing knowledge and interacting about scientific advancements, facilitating, at least in appearance, raising public awareness of and interest in science, yet there is no current evidence of their added value for meaningful communication.[<reflink idref="bib22" id="ref23">22</reflink>]</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-6">WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ASSOCIATIONS IN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND SCIENCE COMMUNICATION?</hd> <p>The primary goals of scientific organizations are to provide their members with resources to do their jobs and improve their scientific skills. It is also to promote their discipline to be widely known by others. As such, associations play several roles in communicating their science to the public and engaging the public with scientific matters.</p> <p>First, associations propagate information about their discipline. With science becoming overwhelmingly specialized, there comes an exponential increase in the number of scientific associations. The AAAS lists 273 societies and academies of science as their affiliates, serving more than 10 million members, representing the world's largest federation of scientific and engineering societies. All these associations provide a wealth of information to the public through hundreds of publications, public service campaigns, educational programs, training services, and related activities. By doing so, they ensure that the information that is disseminated to the public is accurate and properly represents the current status of the discipline. This is maybe one of the most critical roles for associations as it prevents misleading the public and contributes to building trust between scientists and the public.[<reflink idref="bib4" id="ref24">4</reflink>] It also allows associations to become the authority in the discipline and serve as a reference for others. One example for us at AAA is our leading efforts to share scientific knowledge through webinars or publications in our family of journals (The Anatomical Record, Developmental Dynamics, Anatomical Sciences Education).</p> <p>Second, associations lead the way in developing professional codes of ethics, standards in the practice of the discipline, and other vital areas of quality control that the target audience relies on daily. Studies have shown that associations, given their unique expertise, can be more responsive than the federal government, and often take the lead in developing standards for product safety and professional behavior.[[<reflink idref="bib23" id="ref25">23</reflink>], [<reflink idref="bib25" id="ref26">25</reflink>]] Associations are also able to react to unethical behavior and professional codes faster than the law. In anatomy, the recent awareness of ethics in the context of consent for any human remains being exhibited in a museum or used in the classroom has pushed AAA to take actions and develop best practices and standards regarding the use and potential disposal of such collections.[<reflink idref="bib23" id="ref27">23</reflink>] This has led some museums to temporarily remove artifacts from public viewing or better inform the public of their origin. AAA has also been on the forefront of body donations and adopted best practices and recommendations for anyone dealing with donating or receiving human donors.[[<reflink idref="bib26" id="ref28">26</reflink>]] Both of these ethical guidelines are publicly available, promoting transparency and trust between the scientists and the public. Because of such work from associations, the public is also better informed and better served.</p> <p>Third, associations can serve a need that is not filled by academics or by government. Academics have many responsibilities, such as research, administration, and educating students who represent the next generation of scientists. Most do not reach out to the public as it would take time away from their primary mission. Associations are well suited to complement academics' efforts. For example, they can contribute to the information disseminated through course syllabi, and influence knowledge from textbooks by establishing standards of content. Specifically, in the field of anatomy, AAA has established basic curricular knowledge in anatomical science discipline and made them accessible through their public website. Government also benefits from the work of associations as it has very little resources for scientific communication. It should be noted that the National Science Fundation requires a "Broader impact" that are specifically directed toward public engagement activities. Although the government may not directly invest in scientific communication, it is willing to listen to scientists through their associations when they come together annually at "Capitol Hill Day," a scientific advocacy event in Washington DC organized by the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) during which association representatives meet with lawmakers to promote their respective discipline.[<reflink idref="bib28" id="ref29">28</reflink>]</p> <p>Collectively, associations play a critical role in engaging the public and communicating scientific facts accurately, ultimately contributing to building trust between the public and science.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-7">IS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT/SCIENCE COMMUNICATION IMPORTANT FOR ASSOCIATIONS? IF SO, WHY?</hd> <p>Because the primary goals of scientific organizations are to promote their discipline to be widely known by others, scientific associations have developed platforms and organized events to promote their own field and allow the non‐expert to have access to knowledge.[<reflink idref="bib29" id="ref30">29</reflink>] The relationship between the public and the scientist is complicated, ranging from constructive to tension‐filled, yet science is everywhere in our modern world. Informing the public will increase its scientific knowledge, which may reduce the mistrust regarding science.[[<reflink idref="bib6" id="ref31">6</reflink>], [<reflink idref="bib30" id="ref32">30</reflink>]] This public education is just the first step—yet not sufficient—toward a global belief in scientific evidence. Associations with their member can serve as mediators to promote interactions and dialog between the public and the scientist. By doing so, they open up opportunities for mutual learning between scientists and members of the public. Particularly, they contribute to increased familiarity with science, making it more accessible. They can participate in an increased awareness of the cultural relevance of science and highlight the importance of multiple perspectives.</p> <p>For us at AAA, this work is reflected in its mission: <emph>advancing anatomical sciences through research, education</emph>, <emph>and professional development</emph>. The "education" component not only serves our membership but also the public. Investing our resources in dialog with the public around anatomical sciences benefits both us as an organization and the general scientific community by helping advance the public's trust in science which, in turn, influences governmental funding for science. We may be uniquely positioned to promote science as our field is relevant to all; anatomical sciences study the body in all its shape and form, and as such, everyone can relate to its content.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-8">WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO ENGAGE THE PUBLIC IN MEANINGFUL SCIENCE COMMUNICATION?</hd> <p>A meaningful engagement of the public with science requires time and money. It requires intentional strategic effort to build programs with the goal of improving science communication with the public. For AAA, it started with a decision by the Board of Directors to incorporate in its strategic plan an effort to reach out to the public (Strategic plan part A: <emph>AAA unites diverse scientists, the public, and policymakers to advance education and research in anatomy, biology, and health‐related fields</emph>). As such, it allows AAA to dedicate funds to support this strategic initiative. Over the years, these investments have resulted in several awards and programs. For example, AAA created new awards recognizing individuals who demonstrated specific efforts toward scientific communication and public engagement. It also created a 2‐year "Science Advocacy Fellowship" intended for mid‐career faculty interested in science policy and advocacy to learn about public policy issues pertinent to the association, to develop the skills to engage in federal, state, and local science advocacy, and to become future leaders in science. These fellows receive science communication training, represent AAA on the FASEB science policy committee and FASEB Capitol Hill day, and write policy briefs for the board to be disseminated to the public.</p> <p>Because true commitment to a cause means concrete actions toward the cause, AAA is investing funds to create programs that, in a meaningful way, are supporting efforts in science communication and public engagement. These include the Anato‐Bee, the Science Communication Boot Camp, and Anatomy Nights, among others. We would like to summarize these three programs below.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-9">Anato‐Bee</hd> <p>The Anato‐Bee is a free high school outreach initiative aimed to promote education in anatomy, embryology, and histology. The competition, via a spelling bee format, makes for a fun, collaborative experience. Top placing students at each regional competition are awarded scholarships to attend a summer research or immersive program of their choice that focuses on the anatomical and/or clinical sciences. This is supplemented by a stipend awarded to the top placing students at each regional Anato‐Bee. This program is targeted at high school students, but its positive impact is much broader. It engages the students and their family, increasing awareness of science to members of the public (the parents) and engaging them by supporting their children in their participation in the competition. As the events occur in academic settings (for the actual competition), it provides an opportunity for the public to physically engage with campuses and reduces the barrier often associated with higher education as an inaccessible place. Finally, it promotes the sciences to the general public via local communication about the event and celebrations of winners in the broader community.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-10">Sci‐Comm Boot Camp (SCBC)</hd> <p>The Science Communication Boot Camp (SCBC) is a multi‐day program that engages and immerses participants in training designed to develop audience‐centered communication, distill scientific concepts into meaningful narratives, and connect effectively with the public, collaborators, and policymakers.[<reflink idref="bib31" id="ref33">31</reflink>] The SCBC equips participants with effective science communication strategies and skills, enabling them to engage diverse audiences meaningfully. Training includes applied improvisational theater techniques to connect effectively with audiences and use storytelling as a mechanism for effective communication. The SCBC also provides opportunities to apply effective communication by discussing science podcasting and communication with policymakers. This program is aimed at scientists at any level from any scientific discipline, with positive impacts on the general public as its fellows become equipped to communicate effectively with the broad local community.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-11">Anatomy Nights</hd> <p>Anatomy Nights is a public engagement event created to bring anatomy and anatomists to public spaces with the goal of increasing the public's understanding of their own anatomy.[<reflink idref="bib32" id="ref34">32</reflink>] The event consist of a short mini‐lecture on the anatomy of a specific organ (e.g., heart, brain) followed by dissection of that same organ from an animal to demonstrate the anatomy. Facilitators are scientists with expertise in the anatomy of the organs, and skills in public speaking as members of the local community are the participants. Public places include bars, community centers, and other local venues. A key benefit of the shared platform is that the program is building a public engagement community in anatomy with a common goal: to ensure that the public has greater access to anatomical knowledge from reliable and expert sources; the anatomists themselves. AAA is currently supporting the expansion of this program by providing a "train the trainer" component and developing standard activities and kits that can be executed by any scientist with some anatomical knowledge. This will encourage anatomists to step out of the lab and host their own anatomy nights events around the globe, with the support of a growing anatomy nights community that brings the anatomist directly to the public. This is to be distinct from public dissection, an act of revealing the anatomy of a human body publicly. While there is historical precedent for such actions (reviewed in Ref. [[<reflink idref="bib33" id="ref35">33</reflink>]]), such recent events have generated debates whether these practices should continue as a meaningful way to increase scientific interest and knowledge.[[<reflink idref="bib33" id="ref36">33</reflink>]]</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-12">CONCLUSION</hd> <p>The scientific community has come a long way from only communicating within itself to communicate scientific matters to the public. The establishment of professional associations has been instrumental in this journey by providing new opportunities for the public to understand how science works and promoting facts about their profession globally. Associations like AAA must continue to invest in resources to engage members of local communities to promote the scientific message and build the needed trust required for the benefit of public health. With its resources, AAA also has the unique opportunity to reach people across the globe and to provide resources and examples for diverse associations to engage with their local communities.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-13">AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS</hd> <p> <bold>Martine Dunnwald:</bold> Conceptualization; writing – original draft; visualization; writing – review and editing. <bold>Valerie B. DeLeon:</bold> Conceptualization; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing. <bold>Anne M. Burrows:</bold> Conceptualization; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-14">ACKNOWLEDGMENTS</hd> <p>The authors are grateful to the dedicated members of AAA who give their time, creativity, and effort to communicate their science and engage with the public for the betterment of society.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-15">FUNDING INFORMATION</hd> <p>Funding was received, NSF IOS24144883 to Martine Dunnwald.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-16">CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT</hd> <p>The authors declare no conflict of interest.</p> <hd id="AN0192266439-17">ETHICS STATEMENT</hd> <p>All of the text and the figure are original and are not reprinted from any other source.</p> <ref id="AN0192266439-18"> <title> REFERENCES </title> <blist> <bibl id="bib1" idref="ref1" type="bt">1</bibl> <bibtext> Del Vicario M, Bessi A, Zollo F, Petroni F, Scala A, Caldarelli G, et al. The spreading of misinformation online. 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She currently serves as President of the American Association for Anatomy. She teaches anatomical sciences and cell biology courses to graduate students. Her NSF‐ and NIH‐ funded research focuses on mechanisms of epidermal and craniofacial development.</p> <p>Valerie B. DeLeon, JD, PhD, FAAA is Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Florida. She currently serves as Past‐President of the American Association for Anatomy. She teaches diverse courses in the natural sciences to graduate and undergraduate students. Her NSF‐funded research focuses on mechanisms giving rise to biological variation in the vertebrate skull.</p> <p>Anne M. Burrows, PhD, FAAA is Professor and Anna Rangos Rizakus Endowed Chair for Health Sciences and Ethics at Duquesne University in the Department of Physical Therapy. She currently serves as President‐Elect of the American Association for Anatomy. She teaches human gross anatomy and her research interests include evolutionary morphology of the primate craniodental complex and evolution of the mammalian face.</p> </aug> <nolink nlid="nl1" bibid="bib10" firstref="ref8"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl2" bibid="bib11" firstref="ref11"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl3" bibid="bib12" firstref="ref13"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl4" bibid="bib13" firstref="ref14"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl5" bibid="bib14" firstref="ref15"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl6" bibid="bib15" firstref="ref16"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl7" bibid="bib16" firstref="ref17"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl8" bibid="bib17" firstref="ref18"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl9" bibid="bib18" firstref="ref19"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl10" bibid="bib19" firstref="ref20"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl11" bibid="bib20" firstref="ref21"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl12" bibid="bib21" firstref="ref22"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl13" bibid="bib22" firstref="ref23"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl14" bibid="bib23" firstref="ref25"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl15" bibid="bib25" firstref="ref26"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl16" bibid="bib26" firstref="ref28"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl17" bibid="bib28" firstref="ref29"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl18" bibid="bib29" firstref="ref30"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl19" bibid="bib30" firstref="ref32"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl20" bibid="bib31" firstref="ref33"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl21" bibid="bib32" firstref="ref34"></nolink> <nolink nlid="nl22" bibid="bib33" firstref="ref35"></nolink> |
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| Items | – Name: Title Label: Title Group: Ti Data: The Importance of Science Communication and Public Engagement to Professional Associations – Name: Language Label: Language Group: Lang Data: English – Name: Author Label: Authors Group: Au Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Martine+Dunnwald%22">Martine Dunnwald</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5182-8874">0000-0002-5182-8874</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Valerie+B%2E+DeLeon%22">Valerie B. DeLeon</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5004-5977">0000-0001-5004-5977</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Anne+M%2E+Burrows%22">Anne M. Burrows</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9952-8125">0000-0002-9952-8125</externalLink>) – Name: TitleSource Label: Source Group: Src Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Anatomical+Sciences+Education%22"><i>Anatomical Sciences Education</i></searchLink>. 2025 18(12):1440-1446. – Name: Avail Label: Availability Group: Avail Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us – Name: PeerReviewed Label: Peer Reviewed Group: SrcInfo Data: Y – Name: Pages Label: Page Count Group: Src Data: 7 – Name: DatePubCY Label: Publication Date Group: Date Data: 2025 – Name: SourceSuprt Label: Sponsoring Agency Group: SrcSuprt Data: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) – Name: NumberContract Label: Contract Number Group: NumCntrct Data: 24144883 – Name: TypeDocument Label: Document Type Group: TypDoc Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research – Name: Subject Label: Descriptors Group: Su Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Education%22">Science Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Professional+Associations%22">Professional Associations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Anatomy%22">Anatomy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Scientific+and+Technical+Information%22">Scientific and Technical Information</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Scientists%22">Scientists</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Public+Education%22">Public Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Communication+%28Thought+Transfer%29%22">Communication (Thought Transfer)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Information+Dissemination%22">Information Dissemination</searchLink> – Name: DOI Label: DOI Group: ID Data: 10.1002/ase.70017 – Name: ISSN Label: ISSN Group: ISSN Data: 1935-9772<br />1935-9780 – Name: Abstract Label: Abstract Group: Ab Data: Scientific associations exist to serve their members and advance their science. They also provide a platform for scientists to communicate their science and engage with the public, such as hosting free resources on their web pages and organizing outreach activities with local communities. Historically, scientific associations were often internally focused. Despite the common stereotype of exclusive clubs of gentleman naturalists, there are numerous examples since the 17th century of scientific associations encouraging public engagement. This became increasingly common, and throughout the last several decades, scientific associations like the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) have been working to make changes in how science, scientists, and the public work together to produce the best scientific outcomes. This viewpoint defines different levels of relationships between the scientist and the public and how they affect outcomes related to the public's trust in science and scientists. It then provides a historical perspective on how associations have contributed to the communication of science. Lastly, it discusses the role of associations in science communication and public engagement and whether it is important for associations and why. It concludes with examples of the strategic programs of AAA that demonstrate how scientific associations can support public engagement, resulting in benefits to the public, scientists, and the anatomical sciences. – Name: AbstractInfo Label: Abstractor Group: Ab Data: As Provided – Name: DateEntry Label: Entry Date Group: Date Data: 2026 – Name: AN Label: Accession Number Group: ID Data: EJ1491286 |
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| RecordInfo | BibRecord: BibEntity: Identifiers: – Type: doi Value: 10.1002/ase.70017 Languages: – Text: English PhysicalDescription: Pagination: PageCount: 7 StartPage: 1440 Subjects: – SubjectFull: Science Education Type: general – SubjectFull: Professional Associations Type: general – SubjectFull: Anatomy Type: general – SubjectFull: Scientific and Technical Information Type: general – SubjectFull: Scientists Type: general – SubjectFull: Public Education Type: general – SubjectFull: Communication (Thought Transfer) Type: general – SubjectFull: Information Dissemination Type: general Titles: – TitleFull: The Importance of Science Communication and Public Engagement to Professional Associations Type: main BibRelationships: HasContributorRelationships: – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Martine Dunnwald – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Valerie B. DeLeon – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Anne M. Burrows IsPartOfRelationships: – BibEntity: Dates: – D: 01 M: 12 Type: published Y: 2025 Identifiers: – Type: issn-print Value: 1935-9772 – Type: issn-electronic Value: 1935-9780 Numbering: – Type: volume Value: 18 – Type: issue Value: 12 Titles: – TitleFull: Anatomical Sciences Education Type: main |
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