Ethics of science communication on the web

Abstract

Scientists have evolved a unit of communication to describe their new results and findings: the peer-reviewed scientific paper. The internet is full of erroneous and even dangerous information that is difficult for people without a scientific education or training to interpret in context, particularly given the uncertainties inherent in the scientific process. Those interpreting science for the public, whether journalists, educators or other communicators, should use peer review as a benchmark. © Inter-Research 2008.