The text presents a critical review of the book Women in Science and Cinema, organized by Ana Carolina Vimieiro Gomes and Gustavo Rodrigues Rocha, published in 2024 to mark the 25th anniversary of Scientia – the Theory and History of Science Research Group at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). The book consists of chapters that explore a variety of audiovisual works portraying the lives and contributions of women in science or discussing themes related to the presence of women in the scientific enterprise.

Through participatory activities, we aim to engage people with science, technology, and innovation in an active manner, fostering a higher level of involvement and interaction with others. This paper presents the design process of an activity based on the perspective of public participation and the game PlayDecide, addressing the socio-environmental issue of urban solid waste management. We believe it is important to share this process as a contribution to those who design educational experiences in informal science settings.

 Limited representation in science has historically rendered the contributions of underrepresented groups invisible, perpetuating exclusion. However, stories of scientists who overcome these barriers emerge as powerful tools for transformation, challenging stereotypes and inspiring new generations. The visibility of diverse trajectories positively influences the aspirations of young people, especially women and minorities, fostering a more inclusive and innovative scientific community. Furthermore, effective science communication must reflect social diversity, combat misinformation, and promote greater societal engagement—crucial for strengthening public trust and achieving equitable scientific development.

In recent years, numerous initiatives have emerged in Argentina where both scientists and artists combine science and theatre, either as a form of art and/or public science communication. In order to understand the current state of this field, a research was conducted involving an exhaustive search, a survey, and interviews. The goal was to identify what actions are being carried out in our country and who, how, and why these practices, which could be termed scientific theatre, are being developed, as well as to explore their histories, interests, and perceptions regarding this practice

In this article, we share a creative and pedagogical process that brings the so-called "science on stage" to life, emerging at the intersection of theater and science. Through a theater methodology, we use elements of the clown genre to develop a formative process rich in bodily and emotional expression, integrating narratives around science and culminating in a stage proposal. The result is an educational experience where emotion and reflection emerge as the undisputed protagonists, promoting deeper learning and a more meaningful connection with the audience, and in turn, a connection between the audience and scientific themes.

In Argentine institutes and scientific research centers, efforts are rarely dedicated to public science communication (PSC), which weakens the connection with the society to which they belong. For this reason, in 2015, the Institute of Limnology “Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet” (La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina) created its Extension and Communication Area, which has coordinated numerous activities at science fairs, schools, and neighborhoods. Through the implementation of a relational approach, adaptable to similar institutions, solid connections have been established with various sectors, and the internal revaluation and enhancement of PSC.

The study describes and analyzes the production of a health communication podcast based on the ‘Health Handbook of Persons Affected by Leprosy’, produced by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, in 2020. In a study that analyzed the perception of users treated at a specialized public outpatient clinic, it was observed that some of them were unable to read and interpret printed text. The perceived difficulties motivated the adaptation of the content and, thus, the Podhans podcast was created. With accessible and relaxed language, the 16 episodes explore useful topics about the daily lives of people with leprosy and the disease, created from listening to users and considering principles of public communication. Available online, it can be used in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) services and by social movements, expanding access to health information and communication about leprosy.

The article analyzes the series of reports Behind the Scenes of Science, produced by Jornal UFG in 2020, as an action to combat disinformation, spurred by attacks on a researcher during the covid-19 health emergency. In the content analysis of the series’ articles, it is possible to understand some of the values highlighted in the reports as a strategy of credibility of science and the university, as well as of the journalism. In this case, journalism serves as a filter of reality and strategy for defending institutions and science.

 

During the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, it was observed that a great number of false messages circulated on social media. Most of these messages featured scientific and technological elements. This article analyzes how scientific and technological aspects were used in false messages about the pandemic. From the Latam Chequea Coronavírus databank, we have compiled 152 false messages that featured the inappropriate use of scientific knowledge. The results showed that false messages appropriated science and technology to usurp their social value in search of credibility. To achieve this, the fake news used verbal-visual resources, authorities and mixed true and false information

“Compartir las ciencias. Comunicación y apropiación de conocimientos en la extensión universitaria” invites us to think about the place of Public Communication of Science (CPC) and Social Appropriation of Knowledge (ASC) in university extension practices. Through a case study - Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos-, it goes through different historical developments of the CPC, the ASC and the different conceptions of university extension in Latin America.

This qualitative, documentary research analyzed the profile of recipients of Productivity in Research (PQ) grants in Science Communication (DC) from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) in Brazil. Data were collected from calls between 2013 and 2021 and curricula from the Lattes platform. The results indicated that women are the majority among PQ grant holders in DC. Most of them hold PQ-E grants, are concentrated in the Southeast, and have diverse educational backgrounds. The field of DC does not follow the trend of the PQ system, revealing a gender parity situation with a slight female advantage. However, this does not imply a favorable position for female researchers due to prevailing gender prejudices.