Meetup: The Science behind Communication

A collaboration between the School of Health and Sciences, the Ferré Rangel School of Communication, and the Science Trust on the impact scientific communication has on innovation.

By Integrated Communications

Sagrado’s School of Health and Sciences and Ferré Rangel School of Communication (FRSC), together with the PR Research & Innovation Meetups Program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, held a meetup called “The Science behind Communication” on March 24 at the Emilio S. Belaval Theater.

The meetup was a free-of-charge opportunity for exchanging ideas on how scientific communication is essential, and how it impacts innovation. Gilberto J. Marxuach Torrós, our president; Anuchka Ramos Ruiz, our Provost; and Doira Díaz, Esq., administrator and attorney for the Science Trust; bid everyone welcome.

“Our mission is to educate people who are prepared and willing to participate in the construction of a Puerto Rican society that shows greater solidarity in justice and peace. This construction of a community needs the art of communication,” Marxuach Torrós said.

“Many of the challenges we face in the 21st century require collaborations between different scientific disciplines, but also effective ways to communicate and guide the general public. Communication is essential for the success of these efforts. That is why Sagrado is committed to the development of the art and science of communication, and why it supports this collaboration with the Trust,” Sagrado’s president added.

The PR Research & Innovation Meetups Program spurs conversations between various groups on topics relevant to the economy and innovation. For this reason, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and even how scientific communication has played an important and changing role in our lives, were addressed.

The agenda included the following talks or panels: “The Science of Communicating Scientific Content from a Non-Profit Organization,” by Lupe Vázquez, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer; “Scientific Communication to Promote Change,” by Bernado Fiol, president of The Big Think Group; “Reporting on Climate Change to Raise Awareness and Galvanize,” by the meteorologist Ada Monzón; and “Expertise and Competencies in the Management of Public Health,” by FRSC Professor Bruny Velázquez.

The meetup also featured “Connection between Science and Culture: the Importance of Cultural Sensitivity,” by Dr. Mónica Feliú-Mójer, from CienciaPR; “Government Response to Crisis Management,” by Michelle de la Cruz, from La Fortaleza’s Communications unit (2020); and “Challenges of Scientific Communication in the Face of Artificial Neglect,” by Dr. Antonio Vantaggiato, STEM professor at The FRSC.

Finally, “The STEM Formula: storytelling,” by Gretchen Díaz, director of Ed. Ciencia; “The Power of Words,” by Dr. Gabriel Paizy, dean of our FRSC; and “Learnings of the Day,” by Dr. Kiebelle González, dean of our School of Health and Sciences.

At Sagrado, we offer a minor in Scientific Communication that prepares students with the necessary skills and competencies to communicate science to the public in a clear, precise, and effective manner. Learn more at www.sagrado.edu/cm-comunicacion-cientifica/.

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust was created in 2004 to promote participation in the global knowledge economy, as well as the creation of jobs on the Island, by promoting the investment and financing of science and technology research and development.