Science is for the masses: Prof Sung Kyom Cho

Ahmedabad, Dec 12 (UNI) Prof Sung Kyom Cho from the Chungnam National University, South Korea, today said science is not only for scientists, but for the masses and underlined the importance of investing money on science communication.

He was speaking as the guest of honour at the ongoing 6th National Science Communication Congress which was jointly organised by the National Council for Science&Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science&Technology, Govt of India and Indian Science Writer's Association (ISWA) at the Science City.

''When I decided to come from the US to attend this congress I was asked by my family members why go all the way to Ahmedabad. I had replied that this congress is worth my time and energy as it is international in its reach'', said Prof Cho.

The congress aims to work as a platform to bring scientists, science communicators, journalists, academicians and other interested people together for the common cause of development of science and aspects concerning science communication.

''Though journalists are trained to engage in public dissemination I regret that they have mistaken the concept of journalism.

Journalists go for reporting of political or sports events rather than communicate on scientific matters,'' Cho lamented.

''Journalists engaging the audience though science is a complicated thing. Still they can help people through their interpretation in their own way. However, journalists are not trying much to do this. Journalists have also a duty as a science communicators,'' he added.

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