Science communication in the National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health: analysis of the official speech

• Published in: Saúde e sociedade Vol. 30; no. 4
• Main Authors: Neide Emy Kurokawa e Silva, Paro, César Augusto, Ventura, Miriam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Sao Paulo Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Saude Publica 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Communication; Democracy; Democratization; Innovations; Literacy; Medical research; Participation; Politics; Public policy; R&D; Research & development; Science education; Scientists; Society; Technology; Brazil
• ISSN: 0104-1290; 1984-0470
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-12902021190585

From the inquiry about the possibilities of social participation and effective popular interaction in health research, this article aims to analyze how the National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health approaches the communicative dimension. For that, the official document of this policy underwent a thematic analysis. The communication of science, technology, and innovation for population features mainly at the “scientific and technological advances diffusion” section, designated under different expressions that, although presenting distinct meanings and goals, are stated as synonymous in the document. Overall, the policy considers communication as the upright and unidirectional transfer of content to specific audiences - from a sender to a receiver. Such perspective contrasts with the horizontal and participative perspective of knowledge construction and technological appropriation preconized by studies on public engagement in science and scientific literacy. Considering our political, social, and cultural context, along with the merit of the Policy’s creation process, communication proposals must include an effective public participation in science, technology, and innovation in health, respecting the democratic and participative principles postulated by the National Health System.