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Science journalists are mainly responsible for publicly communicating science, which, in turn, is a major indicator of the social development of democratic societies. The transmission of quality scientific information that is rigorously researched and understandable is therefore crucial, and demand for this kind of information from both governments and citizens is growing. We analyzed the academic profiles of a representative sample of practicing science journalists in Spain to clarify what training they had received and how they perceived the quality and scope of this training. Using an ethnographic methodology based on a survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with science journalists working for the main Spanish media (mainly printed press, audiovisual, Internet and news agencies), we analyze their academic backgrounds and collect information on their opinions and proposals. Our findings depict a complex and heterogeneous scenario and also reveal that most science journalists not only do not have any scientific training, but also do not even consider this to be necessary to exercise as science reporters. They also criticize the current system for training journalists and consider that the best way of learning the profession is by acquiring experience on the job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience gained in a pilot test for the management and development of the scientific visibility and digital identity of the researchers of the Universidad de Guadalajara’s Research Center on Feeding Behavior and Nutrition is documented, systematized and assessed. The intentions, justification and reach of this experience are described in this paper, as well as its design, contents and development stages. The results obtained with the implementation of the pilot test are shown. A reflection on a possible future design of an institutional strategy for the promotion, communication and academic positioning in the 2.0 web of the community of research centers and institutes of the UdeG is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new publishing and scientific communication environments have led to the emergence of new Web indicators. Along with usage metrics such as downloads there are many measures that are generated from Science 2.0. Journals published by the Public Library of Science systematically collect many of these new metrics. The objective of this paper is to present some of these new indicators and analyze them quantitatively through the case study of 8945 papers published in the journal PLoS One. The selected indicators were; comments, ratings, number of bookmarks, links from scientific weblogs, downloads views and citations. Basic descriptive statistics indicators and correlations have been calculated for all of them. The results show the low participation of scientists in Web 2.0 and how most of these indicators, except for downloads and visits, are poorly consolidated metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]