How and why the scientists communicate with society? The case of Physics in Italy

The paper presents the results of a recent extensive survey aimed at investigating attitudes, motivations, obstacles and practices in science communication in the Italian physics community. The community of scientists and researchers represents the target of the survey, reversing the usual focus summarized in the "Public Engagement with Science and Technology" whereas previous survey were typically focused on lay public. Data have been obtained from Computer-Assisted Web survey submitted to the entire community of 1058 physicists in Italian Universities and in the main Research Centers CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare), INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica). In particular we have studied: the perception and representation researchers (physicists in this case) have of science, of different segments of their public and of their own role; their perceived ethics and social responsibility; their communication practices outside the restricted scientific community and the impact of generation and gender on the entire process. The project provides new research evidence-based insights and formulates guidelines to improve the communication and social engagement of the scientific community. The study of the community of physicists is a pilot case and a more extensive research project to investigate a larger scientific community (i.e. not only physicists) and new phenomena like institutional dissemination, fund-raising, science communication in conflicts and decision making is currently being pursued.