Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way science is communicated, from how research is disseminated to how the public engages with scientific knowledge. The rapid rise of generative AI (GenAI) tools—such as ChatGPT and Gemini—has introduced new opportunities and challenges for science communication, sparking critical debates on accuracy, transparency, and public trust. This special issue, Science Communication in the Age of AI, brings together cutting-edge research on the intersection of AI and science communication. Featuring 10 contributions from leading scholars in the field, the issue explores four key themes:

1️⃣ Communication about AI – How AI is framed and discussed in media, policy, and public discourse.
2️⃣ Communication with AI – The role of AI as a science communication tool, from chatbots to AI-generated content.
3️⃣ The impact of AI on science communication ecosystems – How AI-driven technologies are shaping journalism, institutional communication, and public engagement with science.
4️⃣ AI’s influence on research methods and theory – How AI is transforming the way science communication is studied, from automated content analysis to novel theoretical frameworks.

The contributions in this issue highlight both the promises and perils of AI in science communication, offering new insights into its evolving role in shaping public understanding of and engagement with science. As AI becomes an integral part of knowledge production and dissemination, this research provides a roadmap for scholars, journalists, policymakers, and communicators navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

📖 Read the full special issue here