Filter by keyword: Professionalism, professional development and training in science communication

Publications including this keyword are listed below.

82 publications found

Aug 12, 2025 Article

Science communication in the absence of science Journalism: exploring the role of public relations officers in Taiwanese scientific organizations

This research examines how public relations (PR) officers in Taiwanese scientific organizations view their science communication roles in a context with limited professional science journalism. Through a survey of 67 PR officers, we investigate their perceptions of public trust in their organization, their media relations and communication strategies. Results indicate that while PR officers recognize the importance of science communication, they perceive less media interest in scientific content compared to organizational news. Potentially, this leads to a self-reinforcing cycle where the perception of low media interests further reduces PR efforts in communicating research findings and potentially harms organizations’ perceived legitimacy at scientific research.

Volume 24 • Issue 4 • 2025

Jul 28, 2025 Article

Profiling the geoscience community: exploring patterns of science communication and public engagement

by Joana Rodrigues, Cecília Castro, Elsa Costa e Silva and Diamantino Insua Pereira

This research investigates how members of the geoscience community in Portugal perceive and engage in science communication, identifying distinct patterns and practitioner profiles. Statistical analysis and a clustering algorithm were used to identify communication patterns based on practitioners' communication goals, target audiences, training, and self-efficacy. The results align with expected patterns but provide new empirical evidence of the relationship between communication goals and audience targeting, offering specific data for the geoscience community.

Volume 24 • Issue 4 • 2025

May 26, 2025 Practice Insight

Survey-based analysis of a science of science communication scientific interest group: member feedback and perspectives on science communication

by Anna Hilliard, Nicola Sugden, Kristin Bass and Chris Gunter

Coordinated attempts to promote systematic approaches to the design and evaluation of science communication efforts have generally lagged behind the proliferation and diversification of those efforts. To address this, we founded the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Science of Science Communication Scientific Interest Group (SciOSciComm-SIG) and undertook a mixed-methods survey-based analysis of the group one year after its founding. Respondents indicated ongoing interest and some participation in public-facing science communication while identifying specific barriers, and praised the role of the SIG in expanding access to information about evidence-based practices.

Volume 24 • Issue 03 • 2025

Jan 27, 2025 Practice Insight

Scientists' views about relationship-based science communication strategies

by Nancy L. Staus, Julie Risien and Holly Cho

Scientists are increasingly expected to share their research with the public using learner-centered strategies that build trust, such as engaging in relationship-building activities. A growing number of science communication training programs have been developed to address this need but little is known about whether and how scientists value such programs. In this paper we examine scientists' experiences with the STEM Ambassadors Program (STEMAP), a science communication training program that aims to build relationships for open-minded exchange between scientists and the public. We discuss benefits and challenges for scientists when using the STEMAP model for public outreach.

Volume 24 • Issue 01 • 2025

Sep 30, 2024 Book Review

Effective Science Communication — A practical guide to surviving as a scientist

by Elizabeth Stevenson

Scientists in academia, particularly early career researchers, are required to master a multitude of practices in a higher education context, often learning on the job by a process of incidental osmosis rather than structured training. For example, success in writing grant proposals, presenting and networking at conferences, journal publication, teaching, engaging with publics ‘beyond the ivory tower’, and demonstrating the ‘impact’ of research are essential skills to master to progress an academic career. Training and support in these areas can often be fragmented and/or dependent on good fortune with respect to suitable mentors.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 25, 2024 Practice Insight

Communicating the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol approaches: insights from communicators, science journalists and scientists in Africa

by Willy Kiprotich Tonui, Dorington Ogoyi, Caroline Thuo, Cyrus Tareh, Cecilia Lubanga Alukhaba, Arouna Ouedraogo, Akoudjin Massouroudini, Amelie Wamba Ndongmo Regine, Agbonma Gloria Ogbaki, Gerald Andae, Gilbert Rotich, Andrew Kipkoech and Rosalia Omungo

Genetic biocontrol approaches, such as gene drive technology is rapidly gaining interest from scientists and public health professionals due to their potential to overcome many challenges of current malaria control tools and strategies. This is particularly the case in Africa where the burden of malaria is most significant. Uncertainty exists about whether these approaches will work, how effective they might be, who is controlling them, and potential unintended consequences for human health and the environment. Therefore, efforts to enhance the understanding of genetic engineering and biotechnology are needed, to ensure that accurate information about this technology is disseminated in the media by science communicators including the journalists and scientists. In this practice insight, we review the outcomes from workshops and courses hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium aimed at equipping communicators and journalists with skilful techniques to proficiently articulate the uncertainties associated with genetic biocontrol interventions to the African public. we discuss the gaps and provide insight on how communicators can address some of the basic challenges of developing effective communication and decision-making for genetic biocontrol approaches in Africa.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Sep 18, 2024 Essay

Evaluations in science communication. Current state and future directions

by Sophia Charlotte Volk and Mike S. Schäfer

Evaluations are becoming more important in science communication. But both science communication practitioners and researchers are not sufficiently utilizing the potential of evaluations yet. In this essay, we first define four requirements for rigorous evaluations of science communication activities and projects. To substantiate our argument, we take stock of the scientific literature, uncover deficiencies in current evaluation practices and identify potential causes. We conclude with laying out how different actors in the field — including science communication practitioners, professional associations, scientific institutions and funding bodies as well as researchers — can contribute to advancing evaluation practices in science communication as well as research on it.

Volume 23 • Issue 06 • 2024

Jun 03, 2024 Article

Science communicators from marginalized backgrounds challenge STEM cultural norms to promote community belonging

by Evelyn Valdez-Ward, Robert N. Ulrich, Nic Bennett, Esmeralda Martinez-Maldonado, Allison Mattheis, Kathleen K. Treseder, Bruno Takahashi and Sunshine Menezes

In the U.S., navigating STEM with marginalized identities can affect scientists' communication practices. There is a critical need for science communication training that accounts for the historical oppressions, discriminations, and inequities of marginalized communities. In this paper we analyzed 712 participant responses from ReclaimingSTEM science communication workshops to understand how marginalized scientists' identities influence their science communication practices. We found that participants' experiences of exclusion and hostility in STEM spaces influenced their engagement in science communication. Scientists from marginalized backgrounds aim to change the culture of STEM through their communication efforts to promote a sense of belonging for their communities.

Volume 23 • Issue 04 • 2024 • Special Issue: Science communication for social justice

Jun 03, 2024 Practice Insight

GlobalSCAPE: successes and failures in connecting with science communicators around the world

by Joseph Roche, Mairéad Hurley, Eric A. Jensen, Luisa Massarani, Pedro Russo and Aoife Taylor

The GlobalSCAPE research project was tasked with engaging people working in science communication to better understand their views of the field. While being a European-based research project, GlobalSCAPE aimed to connect with science communicators across the globe. This practice insight paper reflects on the lessons learned from GlobalSCAPE, the successes and failures, and what might be done to continue the work of global science communication research projects. It is hoped that such learnings will be of broad interest to research and practice communities grappling with ways to fund and support science communication around the world.

Volume 23 • Issue 04 • 2024 • Special Issue: Science communication for social justice

May 27, 2024 Article

Navigating the AI era: university communication strategies and perspectives on generative AI tools

by Justus Henke

This study conducts a pioneering empirical analysis of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in the context of university communication across German universities. It explores the adoption rates, identifies the primary challenges, and assesses the potential of these technologies, integrating several theoretical concepts. The findings reveal a widespread use of AI for translation and language correction, with broader applications gradually emerging. Adoption rates vary significantly between private and public universities, largely due to concerns over technical issues, data protection, and AI usability. The results underscore the need for enhanced training and AI policies that support effective integration and use.

Volume 23 • Issue 03 • 2024