Science is one of the key bastions in the global battle against misinformation and disinformation, and Flinders is supporting efforts to extend the reach of reputable science around the world through a network of Science Media Centres.

Seven SMCs have been established in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Taiwan, Africa and Spain – and now there is consideration being given to establishing one in South Korea.

Delegates from KOFAC – The Korean Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity – last week visited the Australian Science Media Centre in Adelaide on a fact finding mission.

For the past half a century KOFAC has been working to popularise the culture of science and technology, raise public awareness, and nurture young scientists and engineers.

KOFAC representatives JungSoon Lee (Head, Scientific Culture Cooperation Division) and Juyeon Suh (Researcher, Scientific Culture Cooperation Division) met with Flinders Associate Professor Alice Gorman – aka Dr Space Junk – and Director of Media and Communications Karen Ashford to discuss the benefits of Science Media Centres for researchers and for institutions.

The Flinders team explained the exceptional work of the AusSMC in connecting scientists with media, myth busting, facilitating expert commentary, and bolstering trust in science through verification and fact checking. SMCs are also important advocates for the inclusion of science in government policies and decision making.