Science communication and cutting-edge research facilities are two pillars of scientific progress. Recent developments in particle physics outreach and pulsar astronomy illustrate how these elements work together to advance discovery.
Since 1997, the International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG) has worked to present and popularise particle physics across all ages. A key outcome is its Resource Database, an online platform offering high-quality education and outreach materials in particle physics and related sciences, available for nearly a decade.
To help the public evaluate scientific evidence, researchers designed the Scientific Evidence Indicator, a tool that uses metadata from publications to indicate evidence strength. Evaluations show it helps readers recognize peer-reviewed studies, but it falls short in promoting deeper understanding. The study suggests similar tools might be better targeted at journalists.
On the research frontier, the SKA Observatory telescopes, SKA-Low and SKA-Mid, located on two continents, offer high sensitivity, wide frequency coverage, and numerous beams. These capabilities are expected to revolutionize pulsar astronomy, as described in a special issue of the Open Journal of Astrophysics dedicated to pulsar science with SKA.
Together, these examples demonstrate that fostering public understanding and supporting cutting-edge research are complementary goals. Effective science communication ensures long-term public support for fundamental research, while powerful facilities like the SKA push the boundaries of knowledge.
