Image: M. Weissgram

Methods, interpretation and representation of scientific findings have been framed by a narrow interpretation of scientific value for a long time. As in natural sciences, the predominant means of representation were graphs and figures, tables and datasets, conclusions, the representation of so called facts resulting from investigating certain, predetermined parameters. However, during the last few decades critique has emerged: science was said to have become the elitist privilege of scientists only, the public were excluded from this domain. Even though science is by definition serving society as a whole, it failed to communicate its value in an adequate way. New ways of representing science have emerged from this critique. Especially in Europe, scientific findings are increasingly also communicated in other ways than scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, or presentations at scientific conferences among peers. The slogan of this development could be ‘Out of the ivory tower: science meets public!’ Science is expected to represent scientific findings and the basic function and tasks of science for society in innovative ways by using multivisual and multimedia applications. This of course leads to synergies with arts, drama and modern media. In the context of development cooperation this has already been taken up in various ways, both in research processes and the representation of results. Examples are different kinds of film-making, forum theatre and other forms of participatory drama, story-telling with paintings, photographs, images, short movies, music and other kinds of art. There are indeed many ways of bringing science and development closer to the people!

In this issue of our topic of the month, we would like to draw your attention to some examples of innovative science communications and research processes. This overview will be enriched by interviews with two Austrian scientists, who will share with us their experiences regarding new ways of representing science and development.

Image: G. Faschingeder

Interview with Gerald Faschingeder

Gerald Faschingeder is lecturer for the Project on International Development, University of Vienna, editorial member of the Austrian Journal of Development Studies (AJDS) and of the book series "Globalgeschichte und Entwicklungspolitik" and executive director of the Paulo Freire Center for Transdisciplinary Development Research and Education in Vienna.
We talk about communication, public relations in science, art, science and development cooperation.

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Interview with Birgit Fritz

Mag. Birgit Fritz is lecturer at the Department of African Studies and for the Project on International Development, both at the University of Vienna.
We talk about creativity, science and personal experiences.

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Image: Idea

IDEA

IDEA members from more than 90 countries are working in hundreds of thousands of different cultural communities, shaping drama/theatre education today.
This rich diversity of practices is unified by a guiding principle:
that all human beings have the capacity and the right to learn the creative languages and skills needed to be human and to create a just and peaceful world.
Idea promotes international dialogue and research around the practice and theory of drama/theatre and education, particularly through international project collaborations.

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Image: Alin

ALIN

ALIN, Community Information Volunteers Program, was born in 2006 in order to increase documentation and improve the quality of development content generated by the local communities.The program, now in its third year, is unique in its focus on young, fresh and inexperienced graduates from reputable institutions of higher learning. The Volunteers are posted to the various Maarifa Centres in Eastern Africa.

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