International Particle Physics Outreach Group: 25 Years of Global Engagement (University of Cape Town Colloquium)

The International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG) is a network of scientists, science educators and communication specialists working across the globe in informal science education and public engagement for particle physics. The primary methodology adopted by IPPOG includes the direct participation of scientists active in current research with education and communication specialists, in order to effectively develop and share best practices in outreach. IPPOG member activities include the International Particle Physics Masterclass programme, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Worldwide Data Day, International Muon Week and International Cosmic Day organisation, and participation in activities ranging from public talks, festivals, exhibitions, teacher training, student competitions, and open days at local institutes. These independent activities, often carried out in a variety of languages to public with a variety of backgrounds, all serve to gain the public trust and to improve worldwide understanding and support of science. Given today’s current political winds, which often feature blatant misleading attacks on science, participation in education and outreach has become particularly urgent. We present some basic strategies toward effectively battling the tides of misinformation to better reach the public and to make us better scientists in the long run.