A divulgação científica produzida pelas sociedades brasileiras de especialidades médicas

Abstract

Exploratory research on scientific divulgation in the area of Health, having as its main objective the identification and the analysis of actions of scientific divulgation, from 2000 to 2016, undertaken by the Brazilian Societies of Medical Specialties. Their experts deal with diseases that account for the highest rates of death in Brazil. The study aimed at verifying how these initiatives are being developed. The Brazilian Societies of Medical Specialties, as long as they make up the research environment, are briefly presented. The theoretical framework focuses on some aspects of scientific divulgation, like its beginnings, differences in scientific communication, enhancing the contribution of social communication in the area, though focusing this research on Information Science. A controversial issue is included: the discussion about who must assume scientific divulgation, researchers or journalists, and highlighting the social dimension in the area, concluding the theoretical foundation with Scientific Divulgation in Brazil. Empirical research gathered analysis from portals of the selected Scientific Societies and interviews with directors and journalists of such institutions. In the first part, Societies' portals indicate a wealth of information and an emphasis on materials to prevent diseases and health-promoting campaigns. The interviews generally demonstrated little acquaintance with the concept of scientific divulgation, although there is effort and there is investment in these actions. Results, in general, indicate that as far as Health is concerned, and based on the Brazilian Societies of Medical Specialties, Scientific Divulgation moves forward and is in the process of consolidation in Brazil.