Master in Scientific, Medical and Environmental Communication (IDEC-UPF)

We are at a historical moment defined by the evolution and the transition from industrial society to the so-called knowledge society, the development of which is based mainly on the rapid incorporation of scientific innovations into the daily reality. For this reason, the changes that follow this evolution are not only economic, but also cultural and social. Due to this, it is increasingly necessary to implement strategies to disseminate this new knowledge and its possible applications, uses, and ethical, social, economic and political issues that may arise.

Scientific communication, defined as the process of transmission and public dissemination of scientific knowledge, occupies a key position in the development of society. Science and technology influence all the aspects of human life in the professional, intellectual, health, environmental, welfare, leisure, etc. Understanding the scope of new technologies and advances in knowledge is essential: this increases the critical capacity of citizens, whether in small daily decisions as in various professional fields, not only the ethical debate and its relationships with major future challenges. The way in which new knowledge is disseminated and the agents responsible for this communication are crucial in shaping public opinions and attitudes about science.

Scientists, doctors, journalists, museum professionals, science centers, and institutional communication agents (research centers, universities, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, government and cultural managers, etc.) participate in the process of social communication of science and play an increasingly recognized role.

The Master in Scientific, Medical and Environmental Communication explains the key factors from this transmission of knowledge, how it is generated and how it operates. The program is supplemented by an in situ traineeship in media, museums, companies, research centers and other institutions. Master lectures are held at the headquarters of Instituto de Educación Continua (IDEC) of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

More information in the IDEC website

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Postgraduate in Scientific, Medical and Environmental Communication (IDEC-UPF, Argentina)

Semi-presential and essentially practical program developedy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) under the direction of OCC. Its content has been established internationally and taught over 500 students. Its third edition in 2010, offers a version adapted to the reality in Argentina, with the participation of Latin American accredited professionals. This postgraduate program offers a real and practical contact with the world of science communication and environmental health in Argentina. Among all aspire to become a reality, the strategic goal of improve relations between science and society through efficient communication to the public.

The Postgraduate Program in Scientific, Medical and Environmental Communication allow the students to know the key factors involved in the process of communicating scientific and technological knowledge. Therefore, it aims to develope students habilities and tools (discourse analysis, writing and communication skills, among other issues) necessary in the usual disciplines of the profession.

The course is divided horizontally into three areas: (1) professional areas in which communication of science and technology is developed (media, communications agencies, universities and research centers hospitals, public institutions, companies, NGOs, etc..), (2) involved agents (journalists, scientists, doctors, health personnel responsible for administration, personnel responsible for corporate communication, etc. ) and (3) the most outstanding thematic areas (science, medicine and environment).

Program of the course in PDF

More information in the IDEC website

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Postgraduate in Medical Communication Focused on the Pacient (IDEC-UPF, Argentina)

The OCC participates in the Postgraduate Program in Medical Communication Focused on the Patient given by the IDEC-UPF in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The mass media are the major source of information about health and medicine for the general public. However, numerous surveys show that direct contact with health professionals through medical consultation remains the most reliable source for most of the population.

While it is true that the doctor-patient communication is now recognized as an essential aspect in clinical practice, the latter demands more information, personalized attention and a more humanized medicine, three lawsuits closely linked with the development of skills communication in the group of health professionals.

Currently, the health professional should not only address the growing needs of a patient that has turned a consumer but also in a context where medical practice has become an itinerant activity with two or three different areas of medical practice throughout the day.

In addition, the rapid advance of science and therapeutic possibilities have created a constant need to update. How to cope with these demands in a setting constrained by the length of a medical consultation that lasts a few minutes? Undoubtedly, the incorporation of communication skills may also be of great help to the health professional.

The growing impact of the new information and communication technologies makes it imperative to provide health care knowledge and tools necessary to address new opportunities and challenges of the so-called e-health.

More information in the IDEC website

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Communication and dissemination of R+D+i (IDEC-UPF)

Vladimir de Semir coordinates the subject Communication and dissemination of R+D+i of the Master in Leadership and Management in Science and Innovation of IDEC, in which, Gema Revuelta, deputy director of the OCC, and other partners center are also involved.

The Master in Leadership and Management in Science and Innovation is coordinated by the Universitat de Barcelona, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. It is part of the Program in Science Management, together with the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management of Aspects of Science and Technology. The Master has been evaluated favorably by the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation and verified by the University Council as a Master's Degree.

The module Communication and dissemination of R+D+i (2 ECTS), which is coordinated by the OCC, addresses the following topics: development of certified systems of scientific communication: electronic journals, open access movement and the crisis of the publishing market; science and the media: journalists in scientific journals and scientists in the media; general principles for good communication, the interview; social perception of science, monitoring through "Eurobarometer"; civil society and public confidence in science and technology; from associations to the Parliament; social dissemination of science; methodology and scientific outreach programs; departments of scientific communication in universities, industry and institutions; communication over the Internet.

More information about the Master

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