Contemporary challenges and potential solutions for science communication
Preconference at the 76th Annual ICA Conference
Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 09:00 – 17:00 (Central African Time)
Venue: Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (main campus), South Africa
Science communication plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and informing policy responses to today’s most pressing challenges, ranging from health and environmental crises to the societal implications of rapid technological advancements. Yet, the field faces growing pressures and complex threats, including economic and political interference, rapidly changing media ecosystems, and public or political backlash against science and scientists. This preconference (the 4th ICA Science Communication Preconference) seeks to explore these darker dimensions of science communication and to identify constructive, evidenceinformed ways forward. We invite theoretical, empirical, and practice-based contributions that reflect on how the science communication community can respond to these challenges, and whether current efforts are adequate, inclusive, and effective.
For contributing to the conference, please have a look at our call for paper.
©Stellenbosch University
Key facts: Submissions should include: An extended abstract of 800 –1,000 words (excluding references, tables, and figures), anonymised for peer review and a cover page (author information, 3-5 keywords, indication if this is a student-led paper) as separate PDFs to icaprecon@mscl.de by 2 February 2026. You are welcome to send any enquiries about the conference to Zani de Wit.
Preconference organisers: Jana Laura Egelhofer, Marina Joubert, Bernhard Goodwin, Mehita Iqani, Niels G. Mede, Janine N. Blessing, Alice Fleerackers, John Besley, Friederike Hendriks, Nils Bienzeisler, Andreas Scheu, Maambele Khosa, and Zani de Wit