Drugi jezik na kojem je dostupan ovaj članak: Bosnian
At a time when pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and false news thrive, it is important that the voice of scientists is clear and loud. One of those who successfully do this is Igor Rudan.
That is why this world renowned Croatian scientist, a member of the Royal Society of the British Academy of Sciences, entered into the final for the Communicator of the Year award.
Whether he will take that title will be revealed at the Grand PRix award ceremony, organized by the Croatian Public Relations Association – HUOJ.
“Everything I did last year to popularize science in the Croatian media I did in my spare time. I wanted to transfer to Croatia more new knowledge of the 21st century that I gained abroad, especially to reach young people who are just about to choose their career. However, I didn’t even imagine that someone would be evaluating my communication skills at that. At first I did everything intuitively, and then began to track what is met with greater, or lower attention among the people. It’s the same that every scientist does in their daily work. Although I have been given some recognition for scientific work, I believe this is my first nomination for something that doesn’t involve scientific work,” said Igor Rudan, full professor and director of the Center for Global Health at the University of Edinburgh.
Grand PRix jury pointed out that Rudan promotes science and scientific topics in a modern, approachable and interesting way. His popular-science books The exact color of the sky and Evil Air were among the best-selling titles in 2018, and his popular science-series Surviving: A Global Health Story, featured on Croatian Radio and Television, and the 21st Century column, published in Večernji list, also attracted great public interest.
Igor Rudan believes the most important thing in public communication is the respect for the public, which implies credibility of information, avoidance of contradictions, tolerant tone, clarity and simplicity in expression.
Five finalists will be announced for the title of the Communicator of the Year. Prior to Rudan, HUOJ revealed only one name – Vojko V.
Other finalists for this year’s award will be revealed over the next two weeks.