Communicating Science in Times of Crisis

An authoritative compendium of new research findings and case studies in the application of communication theory during catastrophic events. “Communicating Science in Times of Crisis: Communication and Catastrophic Events” addresses the practical application and research implications of communication theory in the context of man-made and natural catastrophes. Bringing together contributions by leading experts in crisis management and strategic communication, this timely collection of resources links scientific issues with public policy while discussing the challenges and opportunities for using communication to manage extreme events in the evolving media landscape of the 21st century. In this second volume of the Wiley-Blackwell “Communicating Science in Times of Crises” series, 15 substantial chapters explore a varied range of catastrophic conditions, such as mass violence incidents, disease outbreaks, catastrophic mudslides, cascading and simultaneous disasters, extreme weather events, diffusion of misinformation during crises, students traveling internationally during a global health crisis, and more. Each chapter focuses on a particular issue or concern, revealing the difficult choices that confront academics and practitioners across communication disciplines and presenting original frameworks and models alongside ongoing research programs. • Discusses approaches for balancing scientific findings with social and cultural issues • Highlights the ability of legacy and digital media to facilitate science in mitigating the effects of adverse events • Examines the ethical repercussions of communication during unfolding and unpredictable events • Addresses the use of social media communication during a crisis and navigating an increasingly media-savvy society with multiple levels of science literacy • Covers key theoretical and practical aspects of the associated fields of risk management and crisis management Available as a standalone book or as part of a two-volume set, “Communicating Science in Times of Crisis: Communication and Catastrophic Events” is essential reading for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and advanced students in the fields of crisis communication, risk and emergency management, disaster studies, policy management, social media communication, and healthcare communication.

Learn more about how people communicate during crises with this insightful collection of resources In Communicating Science in Times of Crisis: COVID-19 Pandemic, distinguished academics and editors H. Dan O'Hair and Mary John O'Hair have delivered an insightful collection of resources designed to shed light on the implications of attempting to communicate science to the public in times of crisis. Using the recent and ongoing coronavirus outbreak as a case study, the authors explain how to balance scientific findings with social and cultural issues, the ability of media to facilitate science and mitigate the impact of adverse events, and the ethical repercussions of communication during unpredictable, ongoing events. The first volume in a set of two, Communicating Science in Times of Crisis: COVID-19 Pandemic isolates a particular issue or concern in each chapter and exposes the difficult choices and processes facing communicators in times of crisis or upheaval. The book connects scientific issues with public policy and creates a coherent fabric across several communication studies and disciplines. The subjects addressed include: • A detailed background discussion of historical medical crises and how they were handled by the scientific and political communities of the time • Cognitive and emotional responses to communications during a crisis • Social media communication during a crisis, and the use of social media by authority figures during crises • Communications about health care-related subjects • Data strategies undertaken by people in authority during the coronavirus crisis. Perfect for communication scholars and researchers who focus on media and communication, Communicating Science in Times of Crisis: COVID-19 Pandemic also has a place on the bookshelves of those who specialize in particular aspects of the contexts raised in each of the chapters: social media communication, public policy, and health care.

A timely and insightful exploration of the vital relationships among effective communication, education, peace, and democracy Communication and Education: Promoting Peace and Democracy in Times of Crisis and Conflict explores the complexities of addressing divisive societal challenges, reducing conflicts, and building and sustaining peace and democracy around the world. Contributions by an international panel of experts provide evidence-based practices, findings from ongoing research projects, policy analyses, and cutting-edge theories, frameworks, and models for confronting global challenges to peace and democracy. Examining the crucial role of crisis communication and education on a global scale, this research-based compendium covers a broad range of key topics, such as democratizing education, promoting peace through complexity science, understanding how factionalism threatens democracy, encouraging citizen participation, and more. Throughout the text, the authors highlight the need for equity, compassion, critical thinking, and active engagement to create a sustainable future based on democratic values. Designed to enhance the knowledge base of crisis communication related to crises impacting education, peace, and democracy, Communication and Education: • Explores different strategies and practices for fostering democracy in education, such as the IDEALS framework for creating positive school cultures • Discusses emotional geographies in schools and their impact on democratic school climate and teacher burnout • Emphasizes empathic communication and participatory skills among teachers • Offers practical strategies and examples of harnessing technology for peace and democracy • Provides real-world case studies illustrating the transformative power of education, music, diverse perspectives, and open communication channels • Examines the ecological interdependence of effective communication, education, democracy and peace Part of the Wiley Blackwell Communicating Science in Times of Crisis series, Communication and Education: Promoting Peace and Democracy in Times of Crisis and Conflict is essential reading for communication and education scholars, researchers, students, practitioners, and community scientists.