From scientific communication to popularization

Abstract

Scientific communication, scientific journals and a more comprehensive access to information and communication on the Internet establish a debate over the connection between scientific communication and divulgation. Exploring the audience expansion enabled by the Internet and the greater science visibility due to the Internet versions of scientific journals, entails a discussion on bringing the specialized and non-specialized public closer, and their possible convergence as a result of intercommunication on the Internet, and the information and communication technologies - ICTs. Concepts, characteristics, the applicability of communication and science divulgation as well as the historical aspects of science and audience development, bring to mind the most important specialists in these two areas: It is necessary to rethink science popularization and “public science” beyond the academic walls. Theoretical presuppositions substantiate the public component of science and the transmutable nature of information. The technical features reveal the field for new information and communication technologies, passing on information and interactivity between the academic and non-academic audience, which put forth technology as a determinant point for cultural changes, having Sismology as the demonstration area.