Science communication in Asia is a diverse patchwork, shaped by each country’s unique culture, technology, and politics. At a recent Stempra Lunch and Learn, experts shared insights into how China, Japan, and India each approach the science communication challenge. What emerged was a picture of diversity, with some common threads.
The expert panel was made up of:
Professor Fuji Nagami – Group Leader of Public Relations at Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University
Ranjini Raghunath – Communications Officer at the Indian Institute of Science
Xi Chen – Journals Communications Manager, Greater China at Springer Nature
Japan: trusty and traditional
Japan’s approach is more traditional but no less effective. Press releases play a central role in getting scientific information to the public. Newspapers are still the champions for policy discussion, while TV brings science into the living rooms of the public. The most popular news is straightforward and practical, like “how-to” guides and tips for everyday life.
Emails are reliable for media contacts, but sometimes a good old-fashioned phone call or an instant message gets the job done. Check out this press release guide, created by Fuji and, his Tohoku University colleague, Misaki Arakawa for the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization.
China: top-down but super social
In China, science news often travels from the top down – government announcements and institutional press releases. But what really brings science to life is social media. WeChat and Xiaohongshu (RedNote) are woven into daily life, providing news, latest trends, and science updates. People chat about the latest discoveries on WeChat, and quick, direct messages are preferred over emails – especially if the sender is unfamiliar.
It’s not all smooth sailing – censorship by the platforms plays a huge role. Certain keywords are monitored and posts may be restricted or deleted if content is deemed sensitive. In some cases, users find themselves blocked from posting altogether, with the length of time depending on the breach.
India: vibrant and varied
Science communication isn’t always top of the agenda but when it comes to sharing news, journalists often keep an eye on social media and direct sources rather than press releases. WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and to some extent, X (formerly Twitter) are the main platforms, with BlueSky not as established.
Misinformation can spread quickly on WhatsApp and on X, with accounts with blue ticks shaping public opinion even if they don’t have the subject matter expertise. Despite the rise of digital media, newspapers like The Hindu, Times of India, Deccan Herald, and The Indian Express remain influential.
Timing is everything… almost
Embargo times in Asia are generally not an obstacle – except when seasonal clock changes come into play. Most countries in Asia, including China, Japan and India, don’t use Daylight Saving Time so while UK clocks are set forward by one hour in summer to make better use of daylight, their clocks stay the same all year. A learning curve around embargoes in China and India means awareness of embargoes themselves, and what they require in terms of reporting restrictions, can be patchy.
Differences – and the similarities
It’s clear that each country has a distinct way of doing things, yet all are finding innovative ways to get science out there. Whether it’s China’s social media savvy approach, Japan’s trust in traditional media, or India’s vibrant mix of old and new, there’s something to learn from every approach. And at the heart of it all is a shared goal: making science accessible, accurate, and engaging for everyone.
Editor’s note: A big thank you to Brian Lin, Director of Editorial Content Strategy at EurekAlert!, for chairing the event, and to EurekAlert! for its sponsorship.