Previous studies have identified four potential issues related to the popularisation of quantum science and technology. These include framing quantum science and technology as spooky and enigmatic,... Show morePrevious studies have identified four potential issues related to the popularisation of quantum science and technology. These include framing quantum science and technology as spooky and enigmatic, a lack of explaining underlying quantum concepts of quantum 2.0 technology, framing quantum technology narrowly in terms of public good and having a strong focus on quantum computing. Before assessing the effect of these potential issues on public perceptions, it is important to first determine whether these issues are actually present in popular communication. To this end, we conducted a content analysis in which we investigated how quantum science and technology are framed in a corpus of 501 TEDx talks. We also examined to what extent quantum experts, such as quantum scientists and leaders at organisations in quantum science and technology, communicate about quantum science and technology differently from non-experts, such as scientists from other disciplines and artists. Results showed that: (1) about a quarter of the talks framed quantum science and technology as spooky/enigmatic; (2) about half of the talks explained at least one underlying quantum concept (superposition, entanglement or contextuality) of quantum 2.0 technology; (3) quantum technology is narrowly framed in terms of public good as we found six times more talks mentioning benefits than risks; and (4) the main focus is on quantum computing at the expense of other quantum technologies. In addition, experts and non-experts differ on three out of four issues (only the fourth issue is similar for both). Our findings thus show that these potential issues related to the popularisation of quantum science and technology are present but not predominant in TEDx talks. Further research should explore their effect on public perceptions of quantum science and technology. Show less
Een infographic van Rijkswaterstaat gaf een overdreven rooskleurig beeld van de natuurcompensatie bij de werkzaamheden aan de A27/A12 bij Utrecht. Rijkswaterstaat heeft na vragen van Nieuwscheckers... Show moreEen infographic van Rijkswaterstaat gaf een overdreven rooskleurig beeld van de natuurcompensatie bij de werkzaamheden aan de A27/A12 bij Utrecht. Rijkswaterstaat heeft na vragen van Nieuwscheckers de grafiek aangepast. Show less
Het afsnijden van y-assen, het gebruiken van 3D-effecten en slechts een deel van de beschikbare data laten zien: het zijn allemaal tactieken om mensen te misleiden met grafieken. Maar je hoeft... Show moreHet afsnijden van y-assen, het gebruiken van 3D-effecten en slechts een deel van de beschikbare data laten zien: het zijn allemaal tactieken om mensen te misleiden met grafieken. Maar je hoeft niet altijd misleid te blijven, blijkt uit onderzoek. Show less
Smeets, I.; Willems, S.J.W.; Burger, J.P.; Wijnker, W. 2022
Grafieken kunnen verduidelijken, maar ze kunnen ook misleiden. Er zijn verschillende manieren om misleidende grafieken effectief te debunken, blijkt uit ons onderzoek dat zojuist verscheen in het ...Show moreGrafieken kunnen verduidelijken, maar ze kunnen ook misleiden. Er zijn verschillende manieren om misleidende grafieken effectief te debunken, blijkt uit ons onderzoek dat zojuist verscheen in het Journal of Science Communication. Nieuwscheckers geeft zelf het goede voorbeeld met de nieuwe rubriek Grafiekpolitie. Show less
Synthetic biology (SynBio) is a rapidly growing scientific discipline. In the Netherlands, various universities and companies are tackling a variety of opportunities and challenges within this... Show moreSynthetic biology (SynBio) is a rapidly growing scientific discipline. In the Netherlands, various universities and companies are tackling a variety of opportunities and challenges within this field. In this perspective article, we review the current synthetic biology landscape in the Netherlands across academia, industry, politics, and society. Especially within Dutch academia there is an active, though only partially connected, research community involved in various domains of SynBio. Mostly supported by governmental funding, academic research is focusing on top-down synthetic biology, involving the engineering of for example bacteria and yeast for bioproduction, as well as bottom-up and cell-free synthetic biology aiming to understand life and build synthetic cells. There is also a large number of talented and motivated students interested in the field, exemplified by the participation and success of Dutch teams in the international iGEM synthetic biology competition. Commercial synthetic biology activities are taking place in various large industrial companies, as well as in start-ups and spin-offs, mostly divided over several ‘SynBio hubs’ in the Netherlands. However, the investment, regulatory and public-perception landscape is not yet optimal to stimulate entrepreneurial activities in SynBio. The Dutch and global society can further benefit from the large promise of SynBio through better integration of people active in the Dutch SynBio field, frequent political and public dialogue, and more attention towards regulatory issues. The recently founded Dutch synthetic biology association SynBioNL aims to contribute to realizing a positive impact on society by stimulating advances of the field in the Netherlands and beyond. Show less
Grimmon, A.S.; Cramer, J.; Yazilitas, D.; Smeets, I.; De Bruyckere, P. 2020
