From production to appropriation: a model for science popularization in health

Abstract

Scientific production in health expands the capacity to generate evidence, technologies, and knowledge, but its circulation, understanding, and social appropriation remain significant challenges. This article aims to propose a theoretical-methodological model to guide science popularization and knowledge democratization actions in health, articulated with teaching, research, and university extension. This is a theoretical reflection with an analytical-reflective and propositional approach, based on literature on scientific communication, science popularization, public communication of science, university extension, and open science, as well as normative and institutional documents. The analysis resulted in a model organized into eight interconnected movements of science popularization (M8M-PC): knowledge production; selection and contextualization; audience definition; translation and language adaptation; content production and format selection; circulation and interaction; appropriation and use; and research feedback. The model also establishes dimensions for planning and evaluating actions, encompassing production, communication, appropriation, and feedback. Science popularization should not be reduced to the simplification or dissemination of scientific results but understood as a process that creates conditions for access, understanding, dialogue, participation, and social use of knowledge. The proposed model may serve as a reference for university extension actions in health and can subsequently be applied and evaluated in different contexts.