Igniting a Spark - Towards Improving Plasma Science Communication

A 2021 study on Dutch traditional media found “plasma physics” to be the lowest represented topic amongst news articles discussing physics, at only 0.4%. In contrast, “astronomy and astrophysics” (a topic overlapping with plasma physics) had over 100 times more representation with 44.4%. These numbers reflect the general public's lack of awareness of (technological) plasmas. In a small informal survey conducted by the authors (n=15) asking “Waaraan denkt u als u plasma hoort?”, only one respondent's answer was somewhat related to ionised matter, associating plasma with science fiction energy.<br/><br/>To improve the conversation between science and society regarding plasma technology, the authors seek to improve communicating plasma by promoting dialogue between researchers, industry and communicators, learning from astrophysicists, and producing interactive shows and exhibitions for the public.