Divulgação científica: percepções dos docentes da Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Abstract

The scientific advances and the decisive contributions of each piece of research, in the most diverse areas of knowledge, to improving life in society are significant. In the Brazilian context, federal public universities are exponents in the production of science. Given this scena-rio, the general aim of this study is to identify the perceptions of teachers at the Federal University of Alagoas in relation to science communication. It is characterized as an exploratory and descriptive study, with qualitative and quantitative approaches, using documentary research and data collection through an online questionnaire. The sample is based on the criterion of accessibility and is made up of 91 teachers. The data is analyzed and interpreted using the theoretical framework used in the dissertation, based on concepts about science communication, science, crisis/ in science and public universities. As a result, among other perceptions presented, the respondents indicate an understanding of what characterizes Science communication, as well as considering it important and necessary for the teaching staff at the Federal University of Alagoas. The participants also indicate that the activity should be institutionalized or carried out through a national policy, as a way of being accountable to society, as a means of information to clarify, communicate with the public and combat scientific misinformation, as well as estimating that public universities should take the lead in carrying out science communication. The conclusion is that the data collected allowed for the identification of perceptions that can be measured and evaluated in terms of ways of approaching and acting on the issue in the institutional environment, given the understanding and willingness to engage in science communication demonstrated by the participants in the survey.