Wiley has released a new season of its expert roundtable series examining
how stronger science communication and evolving academic society strategies have supported public trust in research.
Wiley has introduced the latest season of its award-winning thought leadership series, ‘The Conversations’, to address how research communities can narrow the divide between scientific research and public understanding. The series
brings together specialists to explore the pressures facing research infrastructure and the need for shared, community-driven solutions.
The new season is positioned as a forum where diverse stakeholders can surface what is effective, what is not, and which approaches can be built cooperatively. A current episode focuses on restoring trust in science through more
effective communication. A neuroscientist specializing in adolescent brain development, a marine conservation biologist, and a science journalist who leads a national writers’ association examine why traditional communication methods often fall short. They
outline ways to meet audiences with clarity and curiosity, integrate facts into compelling narrative structures, foster open dialogue that reflects genuine engagement, and apply suitable tools to complex issues without compromising scientific rigor.
Another upcoming episode evaluates how academic societies can remain resilient amid shifts in funding, open access requirements, and changing expectations among members. Senior leaders from a physics publisher, a scholarly consultancy,
and a medical association describe strategies for prioritizing core capabilities while outsourcing selectively, cultivating future researchers by showing how scientific careers contribute to society, and reinforcing research integrity as a defining element
of a society’s identity.
The new season builds on the momentum of the first, which earned a Gold Award in the 2025 EPIC Awards from the Society for Scholarly Publishing.
Wiley has also introduced ‘The Chats’, a companion series designed for focused, one-on-one discussions about emerging issues shaping research. Its first installments center on the role of artificial intelligence in research publishing,
addressing how researchers can evaluate AI tools responsibly and disclose their use appropriately. The launch underscores Wiley’s intent to provide practical guidance as the research community adapts to rapid technological change.
Ina Smith (her/she)
SciELO SA Planning Manager | Scholarly Publishing Programme
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

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