“Preventing fake news through the Science Media Center”

Chairman Jo Yuri of Creativity Foundation
Established as a non-profit organization with next year’s budget allocation
Supporting the provision of societal issues and scientific and technological information

[Seoul=Newsis] Jo Yuri, chairman of the Korea Science and Technology Creativity Foundation, is speaking at a press conference on the establishment of the Science Media Center at Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 9th. (Photo = Yoon Hyun-sung, Newsis) / Photo = Newsis

, ‘”[Financial News] The establishment of the Science Media Center (SMC) is being promoted to help the media provide scientifically accurate information to the public when social issues arise. Through SMC, communication between science and society is expected to prevent fake news and help popularize science and technology.” ‘,

, ‘Chairman Jo Yuri of the Creativity Foundation said at a press conference at Press Center in Seoul on the 9th, “We plan to allocate around 300-400 million won through next year’s budget and aim to establish SMC by 2025.” ‘,

, ‘The first SMC was established in the UK in 2002. At that time, the UK experienced confusion among its citizens due to issues with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To provide accurate information and objective facts to address social confusion, the Royal Society of the UK established SMC. Currently, SMC is operational in seven countries including the UK, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Kenya. ‘,

, ‘Recently, there have been instances in Korea where citizens faced confusion due to issues such as COVID-19, Fukushima contaminated water, and superconductive materials. In such cases, fake news and information not based on facts spread, leading to social conflicts and confusion. ‘,

, ‘The Creativity Foundation explained, “SMC can be seen as an institution that plays a bridging role between the scientific and technological community and the media.” ‘,

, ‘Ultimately, it will facilitate communication between science and society. It will convey what the media is curious about through scientists, and important issues in the field of science and technology will be introduced to the public through the media. ‘,

, ‘The role of SMC is broadly divided into three parts: providing information related to science and technology, providing information about scientists, and supporting training. ‘,

, ‘First and foremost, the focus is on providing neutral information based on evidence that presents scientific perspectives on issues. Additionally, the center will identify topics, hold media briefings, and organize the latest research trends for dissemination. ‘,

, ‘Secondly, providing information about scientists connects journalists with experts for interviews during the coverage process. Lastly, training support aims to educate scientists on how to communicate with the media and also educate journalists on scientific literacy related to science. ‘,

, ‘Chairman Jo mentioned, “To become an independent non-profit organization, we will rely on government support for the initial three years.” He further explained, “Subsequently, we will seek to generate our own revenue sources and increase self-sufficiency through independent funding.” ‘,

, ‘He emphasized the importance of independence, citing that “Japan established SMC in 2010 but floundered after the Fukushima nuclear power plant explosion in 2011 due to a lack of direction.” ‘,

, ‘Regarding the scale of SMC, he stated, “Currently, SMCs in various countries operate with 2-4 staff members.” He added, “Taiwan also started with five members, and we will begin with three members initially and consider expanding based on the situation.” ‘,

, ‘He highlighted, “If the science and technology sector provides accurate information, it can reduce the social costs arising from various disputes,” and stressed that “the center can achieve high efficiency with minimal funding.” ‘,
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