Seppe van Bladel

Over the past years, a global call has emerged to approach research and the practice of science communication from an intersectional and critical perspective. Inclusive science communication aligns with this shift, primarily focusing on the multiple layers of discrimination faced by audiences. However, the specific type of discrimination and negative experiences the communicators themselves may face is underexplored. This research aims to fill that gap. Specifically, the study employs qualitative research methods to investigate the experiences of female researchers from underrepresented groups in Flanders (n=10) with testimonial injustice during science communication from an intersectional perspective (exploratory) and to identify their perspectives on what is necessary to achieve social change (action-oriented). The findings reveal that female researchers face four specific forms of testimonial injustice: being subjected to a very high level of proof, explicit ways to undermine knowledge claims and the status of an expert, implicit ways to undermine knowledge claims and the status of an expert, and a lack of willingness to listen. To foster social change, female researchers emphasize the importance of synergistic measures and efforts from both institutions and science communication organizations and professionals. However, they also note that achieving change is difficult due to a lack of trust in institutions, stemming from internal experiences of intimidation and boundary-crossing behaviour.