Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in Denmark to learn about science communication 

Science communication is very high on the policy agenda in Vietnam, where the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has recently established a Center for S&T Communication (CSTC). The work of CSTC is to focus on (1) how to promote science as well as the role of science to the public; (2) how to promote science journalists and editors; and (3) how to promote Vietnamese researchers in writing scientific articles for publication in international journals.

A delegation composed of 7 representatives from MOST visited Denmark in May to learn about Danish experiences with communicating science. The tour lasted 5 days from May 3-7, 2010, and was organised by the Danish Development Research Network (DDRN), who has been cooperating with MOST on research communication activities since last year.

The programme included meetings with representatives from a selection of Ministries, universities, research institutes, and media. Various examples on how to approach research communication were presented; and more will be provided on a continuous basis through follow up contact between MOST and DDRN.

The delegation found several of the approaches presented interesting and relevant to consider in the Vietnamese context. Among the approaches that made the largest impression on the delegation were:

• The exchange between research and ministerial staff (carried out at DIIS) and a clear presentation of differences in approaches and perspectives among researchers and policy makers;
• The importance of central communication offices at universities and research institutes;
• The value of engaging researchers in disseminating science to the public, besides contributing to enhancing quality of research;
• The potential of gathering knowledge online (e.g. through Videnskab.dk and Danskernes Akademi);
• The wide range of radio and TV programmes on science carried out in DK;
• The idea of training journalists within universities, i.e. with possibility of direct contact with academia.

Furthermore, the delegation appreciated the large expertise on science communication available at Danish universities.

You can view a short video summing up of the main take home messages by the Deputy Director of CSTS, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Hai, below:

Click To Play

On the programme were meetings with staff from the following organisations/institutions/companies:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation / Danish Agency for Science Technology and Innovation; University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE); Danish Institute of Development Studies (DIIS); Nordic Institute for Asian Studies (NIAS); Roskilde University (RUC); University of Southern Denmark (SDU); Danicom; Danmarks Radio (DR) – ‘Viden om’ and ‘Danskernes Akademi’; and Danish Association of Science Journalists.