Inclusive Science Education

Paving the way for the next generation of diverse scientists.

Science, by its nature, transcends linguistic boundaries.

Its principles and concepts are rooted in empirical observations and universal laws that apply regardless of the language spoken. At its core, science is the language of discovery, a universal tool for understanding the world around us. However, for too long, the doors to scientific exploration have been shut to many due to systemic barriers and biases.

One of those barriers? Language.

Language plays a pivotal role in shaping access, comprehension, and participation. While science is universal, its dissemination primarily occurs through textbooks, lectures, and educational materials that are predominantly available in English. This reliance on English creates barriers for students who are not proficient in the language or whose native language differs from English. And it’s up to both those who speak the language and who do not to challenge the notion that success in science is reserved for a select few based on what tongue you speak.

Here are some fun facts: In 1967, English was recognized as the language of international science and it continues to dominate global scientific activities to this day. Around 80% of all journals indexed in SCOPUS are published in English.

In addition to addressing structural barriers, creating inclusive spaces within the scientific community is essential. Historically, science has been dominated by a narrow demographic, who speaks a specific language, leading to biases in research, teaching, and mentorship. Not only that, but it restricts the accessibility of crucial learning materials for non-English speakers. So, the (logical, at least to me) conclusion is that inclusive science education goes beyond simply diversifying the student body: it requires reimagining how science is taught and learned.

Yes, yet another thing I’m passionate about when it comes to science and science communication. In fact, I’m so passionate about it, I co-authored a peer-reviewed article on this very topic! Titled, “Science Communication in Multiple Languages Is Critical to Its Effectiveness,” it was published in 2020, been read close to 37k times, has over 3,500 downloads, and has been cited multiple times… so clearly people agree with what we’re dishing out?

Here’s where you, the reader, comes in. The public plays a crucial role in enhancing access to scientific knowledge across languages. And there are several ways you (yes, you) can contribute to breaking down language barriers and promoting inclusivity in science communication.

1. Support Multilingual Initiatives: Encourage and support initiatives that aim to translate scientific content into multiple languages. This can include advocating for funding and resources to facilitate translation efforts within scientific organizations and educational institutions.

2. Demand Language Diversity: As consumers of scientific media and literature, YOU can advocate for more diverse language representation in publications, websites, and media outlets. Encourage publishers and media platforms to prioritize translations and multilingual content!
   

3. Engage with Local Science Initiatives: Love science? Get involved with local science communication efforts in your community. Attend science events, workshops, and lectures conducted in languages other than English! Speak another language and feel comfortable hosting a science event? Heck, why not do it?
   

4. Promote Science in Native Languages: Share scientific information and resources in your native language(s) within your social circles and communities. Encourage others to engage with science content in their preferred languages, too.
   

5. Utilize Social Media for Multilingual Engagement: Leverage social media platforms to engage with science communicators and organizations that offer content in multiple languages. And don’t forget to share and amplify scientific content in different languages to reach a wider audience and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
   

6. Advocate for Inclusive Science Education: Advocate for inclusive science education policies that prioritize language diversity and accessibility. Support efforts to provide multilingual resources and services in educational settings (like, ahem, school) to ensure equitable access to scientific knowledge for all.
   

7. Participate in Citizen Science Projects: Might sound funny, but engage in citizen science projects! Many citizen science initiatives are available in multiple languages and offer opportunities for individuals to contribute to scientific research regardless of their linguistic background.
   

8. Provide Feedback and Suggestions: Have a lil chat to scientific publishers, media outlets, and educational institutions regarding the need for more multilingual content and resources. Share suggestions for improving accessibility and inclusivity in science communication across languages (ahem… maybe my paper, LOL).

Inclusive science education is not just a moral imperative; it’s essential for the advancement of science itself. We need to be able to talk about science in multiple languages on big platforms. It’s 2024 – in my opinion, we should’ve done this years ago, because only then can we unlock the full potential of human ingenuity and drive meaningful progress for generations to come.