Scientific Outreach in Communications offices: the case of Fapesp

Author(s)

Leila Cristina Bonfietti Lima

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Estudos da Linguagem
• Defense date: 2011-04-08

Examining board members

Maria das Graças Conde Caldas; Vera Regina Toledo Camargo; Fabíola Imaculada de Oliveira

• Advisor: Maria das Graças Conde Caldas

Abstract

Research institutions and funding agencies have been increasingly concerned about how important is the dissemination of Brazilian scientific production for the development of a scientific culture in the country. Education for journalists specialized in the coverage of Science, Technology and Innovation and the increasing professionalism of Communications Offices have been essential to the expansion and improvement of scientific dissemination in the media. This is the case of Fapesp (Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo) Communications Office, established in 1995. Since its foundation, Fapesp Communications Office has been enhancing its activities and has become an example for other funding agencies in the country, guided by its experience. The main objective of this project is to examine the work done by Fapesp Communications Office which performance has helped consolidating the image of the referred agency. This research is a case study, which uses the techniques of content analysis, supported by literature, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. The research is qualitative, combined with the quantitative method to illustrate some information. The survey results indicate that the scientific outreach done by Fapesp is in continuous process of improvement and has been essential in the consolidation of the institutional image. The different vehicles and approaches (Pesquisa Fapesp magazine, news agency, sites, etc.) have become a reference in the area and contributed to the dissemination of the researches funded by the institution in the media, and to the formation of a scientific culture as well (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/04245-2 - Scientific Outreach in Communications Offices: the case of Fapesp
• Grantee: Leila Cristina Bonfietti Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master