The Messenger project's guidelines for scientists on how to communicate with the media aim to help avoid unnecessary anxieties or false hopes. Often, the media hypes research findings in order to attract more readers or the scientists themselves fail to communicate clearly their results and feed distortions and misunderstandings.
According to the project results, however, both scientists and the media emphasise that "the public should have access to balanced and accurate scientific information and advice in order to engage more effectively in dialogue and debate." In this regard, the project highlights the role of communication and press officers and similar specialist intermediaries in the communication of science in European research institutes and academic departments.
The consultation shows that the role of these critical mediators between the science and journalism communities is currently perceived as "under-used and under-resourced" throughout the EU but is expected to grow in significance. Therefore, the project strongly encourages further development of the press-officer role in science departments and institutions across Europe.
The general aim of this FP6 funded Messenger project was "to contribute to an informed debate among scientists, journalists and representatives of civil society concerning the production of science, technology and health news". In addition to its guidelines for scientists, the project has developed a layperson's guide to decoding science stories as well as training material for journalists.
