Exploring a New Era of Science Communication and Building a Global Science Communication System Together
—The Successful Conclusion of the Science Communication Theory Session at the 2025 Shanghai Science Communication Conference

On the afternoon of May 17, the Science Communication Theory session of the 2025 Shanghai Science Communication Conference was held at the Zhangjiang Science Hall. Organized by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the session centered on the theme of "Developing an Indigenous and Autonomous Knowledge System for Science Communication," bringing together numerous experts to discuss cutting-edge topics and the latest developments in the field. The event was chaired by Associate Professor Dongjing Kang from the School of Media and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

During the conference, Xu Jian, Vice Dean (acting Dean) of the School of Media and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and his team unveiled the "Global City Science Communication Index." Based on a rigorous scientific evaluation framework, this index quantitatively assesses the capabilities and performance of major global cities in science communication across multiple dimensions. The research highlights the experiences of cities such as New York, London, Boston, and San Francisco in science communication strategies, resource integration, and innovative practices, offering a reference model for other cities worldwide to enhance their science communication effectiveness and influence in the global landscape of scientific competition.

In the keynote speech segment, Associate Professor Fabien Medvecky from the Australian National University delivered a presentation titled "A New Zealand National Dialogue on Gene Technologies for the Environment," exploring the application of gene technology in environmental fields and its communication strategies while sharing New Zealand's experiences in this domain. Yao Xintong, an undergraduate student from the School of Media and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, presented a report titled "The Cognitive Mechanisms and Governance Challenges of Science Misinformation in the AI Era." Linked to a challenge cup project supervised by Professor Xu Jian, the study analyzes the dissemination characteristics of science misinformation and public cognitive mechanisms in the AI era, proposing new approaches for its governance.

During the panel discussion, experts engaged in an in-depth dialogue on the "Global City Science Communication Index." Scholars including Professor Sook-kyoung Cho, President of the Public Communication of Science and Technology Network (PCST) and a professor at the Korea Institute of Energy Technology; Associate Professor Fabien Medvecky; Zhou Rongting, Director of the Department of Science Communication at the University of Science and Technology of China; Professor Zhou Qingshan from the Department of Information Management at Peking University; Wang Guoyan, Head of the Digital Communication Department at Soochow University; and Professor Jia Hepeng from Soochow University provided comprehensive, multi-dimensional analyses of the index's profound implications and value from both domestic and international academic and practical perspectives. They also shared their insights on the future trajectory of science communication.

The conference served as a platform for global experts in science communication to exchange ideas and collaborate, fostering the discipline's development and innovation. Participants unanimously agreed on the critical role of science communication in advancing technological innovation and enhancing public scientific literacy, expressing hope for more such opportunities to collectively drive progress in the field.

Moving forward, the School of Media and Communication at Shanghai Jiao Tong University will continue its commitment to research and practice in science communication, striving to elevate China's science communication efficacy and contribute to a more influential global science communication network.