Cognition and Science Communication
Science of Science Communication
Knowledge of the dynamics of the science communication ecosystem and science behind the communication strategies utilised by different stakeholders and their impact on society is vital to design and develop programmes to reach scientific information undistorted to the public. Along with tracking changes happening in various components of the science communication ecosystem in India, this project works for promoting bi-directional communication between scientists and the non-experts and hence promoting scientific temper and public trust in science. Our team also aims to trace out the most effective tools and techniques for communicating science and eradicating baseless fear towards novel technologies using conventional and modern media in multicultural societies.
Knowledge of the dynamics of the science communication ecosystem and science behind the communication strategies utilised by different stakeholders and their impact on society is vital to design and develop programmes to reach scientific information undistorted to the public. Along with tracking changes happening in various components of the science communication ecosystem in India, this project works for promoting bi-directional communication between scientists and the non-experts and hence promoting scientific temper and public trust in science. Our team also aims to trace out the most effective tools and techniques for communicating science and eradicating baseless fear towards novel technologies using conventional and modern media in multicultural societies.
Communicating Risk: Understanding the Role of Sensemaking and Protective Action Decision Making
Disseminating scientific information and preventing the spread of mis- and dis- information at the time of disasters is one of the tough challenges faced by science communicators. Studying cognitive and non-cognitive factors influencing the sensemaking of warning messages related to natural disasters (cyclone) and communicable diseases (dengue and COVID-19) and its translation into Protective Action Decision Making (PADM) are the major objectives of this research.
Disseminating scientific information and preventing the spread of mis- and dis- information at the time of disasters is one of the tough challenges faced by science communicators. Studying cognitive and non-cognitive factors influencing the sensemaking of warning messages related to natural disasters (cyclone) and communicable diseases (dengue and COVID-19) and its translation into Protective Action Decision Making (PADM) are the major objectives of this research.
Communicating Science in the Classroom
This project aims to find meeting points between science communication and science education. We analyze the contents of the science textbooks and pedagogies under the lenses of cognitive and communication sciences and develop Information Communication Technology (ICT) based modules for school children to reduce cognitive load and foster comprehension of complex concepts in (environmental) science.
This project aims to find meeting points between science communication and science education. We analyze the contents of the science textbooks and pedagogies under the lenses of cognitive and communication sciences and develop Information Communication Technology (ICT) based modules for school children to reduce cognitive load and foster comprehension of complex concepts in (environmental) science.
Citizen Science: Science Literacy, Epistemic Trust and Scientific Temper
Involving non-experts in scientific research (citizen science) is getting popularity all over the globe. Searching for the determinants of the sustainability of citizen science initiatives, understanding mechanisms encouraging science literacy, science learning and epistemic trust amongst the participants of online and offline citizen science projects comes under the scope of this project. We study citizen science initiatives focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, prediction of the outbreak of communicable disease, and developing traditional folk theatres as a medium for communicating science.
Our team hosts a unique citizen science initiative named ‘Student Scientist’. This project aims to build networks of students and teachers (by connecting colleges and schools) and bridge it with professional researchers to promote joined research and knowledge production.
Involving non-experts in scientific research (citizen science) is getting popularity all over the globe. Searching for the determinants of the sustainability of citizen science initiatives, understanding mechanisms encouraging science literacy, science learning and epistemic trust amongst the participants of online and offline citizen science projects comes under the scope of this project. We study citizen science initiatives focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, prediction of the outbreak of communicable disease, and developing traditional folk theatres as a medium for communicating science.
Our team hosts a unique citizen science initiative named ‘Student Scientist’. This project aims to build networks of students and teachers (by connecting colleges and schools) and bridge it with professional researchers to promote joined research and knowledge production.
Bridging Cognition with Conservation
Reintroduction of the Megafishes and Subterranean Fishes: Development of behaviour and cognition based strategies
Restocking and reintroduction are popularly used tools for avoiding the extermination of the populations of wild animal species and restoring deteriorated ecosystems. Unfortunately in many contexts, such interventions fail due to the deficiency in the behaviour and cognitive abilities of the individuals used for restocking or reintroduction. By following an interdisciplinary approach we are trying to elucidate a clear picture of the behaviour, personality traits, learning, decision making, and other cognitive abilities in megafish (fishes growing above 20 kg) Mahseer, and various subterranean fish species indigenous to the Western Ghats region of India. Integration of this information into the protocols for hatchery rearing reintroduction and restocking is expected to enhance the success of the programmes targeting the conservation of these endangered species.
Restocking and reintroduction are popularly used tools for avoiding the extermination of the populations of wild animal species and restoring deteriorated ecosystems. Unfortunately in many contexts, such interventions fail due to the deficiency in the behaviour and cognitive abilities of the individuals used for restocking or reintroduction. By following an interdisciplinary approach we are trying to elucidate a clear picture of the behaviour, personality traits, learning, decision making, and other cognitive abilities in megafish (fishes growing above 20 kg) Mahseer, and various subterranean fish species indigenous to the Western Ghats region of India. Integration of this information into the protocols for hatchery rearing reintroduction and restocking is expected to enhance the success of the programmes targeting the conservation of these endangered species.
iEcology, Conservation Culturomics & Conservation of Megafishes and Subterranean Fishes
Conservation of the animal species exploited by humans or in conflict with them is not possible without understanding and considering the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of the localities and other stakeholders. In recent years iEcology and conservation culturomics are evolving as dependable tools to get insights into the behaviour and mindset of the people towards various animal species with which they may come in contact. This project focuses on various species of Mahseers and subterranean fishes.
Conservation of the animal species exploited by humans or in conflict with them is not possible without understanding and considering the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of the localities and other stakeholders. In recent years iEcology and conservation culturomics are evolving as dependable tools to get insights into the behaviour and mindset of the people towards various animal species with which they may come in contact. This project focuses on various species of Mahseers and subterranean fishes.
Projects
Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigator
Ideator
Collaborator
Research Fellow (Pre PhD Research)
- Student-Scientist network monitoring the impact of climate change and communicating the risk of natural disasters in the coastal regions of Kerala and Karnataka. National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. September 2023 – September 2025.
- Coping with an Invader: Understanding the behavioral adaptations exhibited by the Juveniles of Deccan Mahseer in response to alien invasive fishes. Science Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, New Delhi. February 2022 – February 2025..
- Kalarippayattu (A traditional Indian martial art) and wellbeing. In collaboration with UL Research Centre (ULRC), UL Cyber Park, Kozhikode, Kerala, February 2024 – February 2025
- Developing an ICT integrated module for making high school biology education stimulating. Funded by: The Connected Learning Initiative (CLIx). Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA and the Tata Trusts. March 2016 – February 2018.
- Sahyadri’s underground fishes: developing conservation action plans for the subterranean fishes of Western Ghats. Funded by: Rufford Small Grant, UK. November 2015- December 2017.
- Understanding the role of ‘student networks’ in creating awareness about environment, water, sanitation and hygiene in rural and socio-economically marginalized areas. Funded by: Eco-Water and Sanitation Hygiene (Eco-WaSH) Programme. National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Government of India, New Delhi. July 2014 – August 2016.
- Intra-and inter-population variation in behavioural plasticity in a fish, the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus): Role of behavioural syndromes and brain organisation. Funded by: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. Young Scientist (Fast Track) Project. July 2013 – November 2016.
- Conspecific recognition, numerical competence and capacity for transitive inference in a freshwater fish, the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) Funded by: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. Cognitive Science Research Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship. August 2010 – August 2012.
Co-Principal Investigator
- Determinants of nuclear risk perception in India: an integrated analysis. Funded by: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS) Government of India. June 2017 – May 2021.
- Interdisciplinary forays into human-environment interactions. Funded by: Science Engineering Research Board (SERB) Government of India, New Delhi. May 2017 – May 2021.
- Managing public perceptions and public acceptances of public risks associated with new and emerging technologies through science and technology communications. Funded by: National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Government of India, New Delhi. August 2017 – August 2018.
Ideator
- CovidScicomm- A study on the impact of COVID-19 on the science communication ecosystem in India, Switzerland and the USA. Conducted in collaboration with Swissnex in India and Boston, Science et Cité and the Swiss Academies. 2021. For details https://covidscicom.org/about/
Collaborator
- Mapping dengue mosquito population in Kerala. (Principal Investigator: Ajit Babu, Center for Advancement of Global Health, CAGH, Kochi) Funded by: Natural Resource Data Management System, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. May 2015 - May 2017
- Technological and Social Solutions to Major Water Challenges Facing India. (Principal Investigator: Shantha Mohan, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore) Funded by: Water Initiative, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi. July2012 – December 2012.
Research Fellow (Pre PhD Research)
- Environmental correlates of spatial and social learning in fish: The role the neural circuitry of hippocampal pallium and amygdalar pallium. Funded by University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi; 2007-2009
- Studies on seed production and enhancement of larval survival of indigenous freshwater food fishes of Kerala. Funded by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi; 2004-2007
- Behavioural ecology of selected freshwater food fishes of Kerala. Funded by University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi; 2001-2004