The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at the Institute of Science Tokyo is set to make a landmark contribution to global science communication by hosting the PCST Japan Symposium 2025. Scheduled for November 11 through 13, 2025, this event will mark the inaugural occasion the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network convenes a symposium in Japan. Simultaneously, it represents the seventh conference of the Japan SciCom Forum (JSF), underlining the growing importance of Japan in international science communication dialogue.
This joint symposium is designed to draw together a diverse cadre of stakeholders including researchers, practitioners, educators, and policymakers, predominantly from Asia but also globally. The focus will be on enhancing science communication strategies specifically tailored to non-Western contexts. This geographic and cultural lens is critical, given that the majority of existing science communication frameworks originate from Western scientific paradigms, which often fail to account for unique cultural nuances and educational traditions present in Asia.
At the heart of the symposium are two pivotal inquiries intended to propel the field forward. The first question asks how Asia can establish formal and informal education and training programs that serve to professionalize science communication. The second probes the methodological divide between science communication research and practical application, emphasizing bridging this gap to more effectively engage diverse audiences. These questions shape a forward-thinking agenda, underscored by interactive formats which prioritize co-development of novel ideas and actionable recommendations.
The structure of the symposium is meticulously crafted to promote dynamic exchange and collaborative learning. Keynote speeches will establish foundational insights, while contributed talks will provide a platform for emerging and established voices. Notably, interactive working group sessions are designed to foster practical engagement, moving beyond theoretical discussion to include tangible skill development and strategic planning, which are crucial in science communication ecosystems.
The two keynote speakers epitomize the symposium’s thematic breadth and depth. Professor Sujatha Raman, renowned for her role as UNESCO Chair in Science Communication for the Public Good at the Australian National University, will address the concept of ‘culturing’ science communication. Her perspective encourages understanding science communication not just as a dissemination of facts, but as a cultural and societal enterprise that shapes and redefines public engagement with science. Meanwhile, Dr. Asako Okamura from Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) will provide insights on foresight and future trajectories of science communication, integrating policy perspectives and emerging global trends.
In addition to the core symposium program, post-event activities on November 13 will include the EurekAlert! Japan User Meeting, an important occasion for press officers and science communicators to exchange experiences with science media mobilization. Complementing this will be an array of skills-based workshops addressing contemporary challenges such as responsible uses of artificial intelligence in communication, strategies for institutional branding within science outreach, methods to prevent overhype in science storytelling, and innovative techniques for utilizing generative AI technologies in public engagement efforts.
Hosting the PCST Japan 2025 symbolizes more than just a conference; it reflects a strategic commitment to fostering dialogue between the scientific community and broader society. ELSI’s leadership, particularly through symposium co-chair Thilina Heenatigala, emphasizes the aspiration to amplify Asian voices in the worldwide science communication discourse. This is a critical evolution, providing perspectives from diverse sociocultural backgrounds that enrich global knowledge exchange while promoting inclusivity.
ELSI itself represents a pioneering force in interdisciplinary research, anchored by its ambition to unravel fundamental scientific questions concerning the Earth and life’s co-evolution. As a World Premiere International research center supported by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), it orchestrates cutting-edge research that intersects earth sciences, life sciences, and beyond. The PCST Japan Symposium integration aligns perfectly with ELSI’s mission to transcend disciplinary boundaries and societal divides.
The Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), inaugurated in 2024 through a strategic merger of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology, serves as host institution for this symposium. The Institute’s overarching mission to “advance science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society” aligns seamlessly with the symposium’s dedication to cultivating more effective science communication infrastructures, focusing on societal impact rather than isolated academic inquiry.
Japan’s World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) has played a vital role since 2007 in fostering research hubs that adhere to the highest global standards. By promoting autonomy in management and research practices, WPI centers such as ELSI have catalyzed innovative approaches in both basic and applied science. This autonomy is instrumental in allowing creative educational and policy experiments within science communication to flourish within such centers.
The Japan SciCom Forum (JSF), as a vital community for science communicators within Japan, anchors the symposium’s national significance. JSF’s efforts to boost English-language science communication and its regular networking events, including annual conferences and online socials, reflect a robust ecosystem dedicated to capacity building and sharing best practices. With over 300 active members and historical attendance exceeding 500 participants at its conferences, JSF provides a dynamic foundation for the success of the upcoming symposium.
The outputs of PCST Japan 2025 are designed to extend beyond the event itself. By collaboratively producing two strategic papers focused on the symposium’s guiding questions, the event aims to generate practical policy recommendations and refined professional practices. Such documents are anticipated to serve as seminal references for stakeholders across Asia, promoting sustained improvements in science communication frameworks tailored to the region’s specific needs.
In sum, the PCST Japan Symposium 2025 represents a watershed moment for science communication in Asia and globally. It envisions a future where the region not only adapts international models of communication but also contributes original thinking and context-sensitive practices to the global stage. Through rigorous academic exchange, practical workshops, and policy-oriented outcomes, this symposium promises to catalyze enduring progress in how science is communicated, understood, and valued worldwide.
Subject of Research: Science communication development in non-Western contexts, professionalisation of science communication in Asia, bridging science communication research and practice
Article Title: Earth-Life Science Institute to Host Landmark PCST Japan Symposium 2025: Advancing Science Communication Across Asia
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Image Credits: Credit: JSF
Keywords: Social sciences, Computational social science, Education
