Science communication

Science communication is a broad field of activity. It connects scientific knowledge with the rest of society. This field helps inform people who are not experts. It also works to raise public interest in scientific discovery. Some goals include influencing attitudes and changing behaviors. It can even help inform public policy and solve societal problems.

There are two main ways that science is shared. One way is called outreach. This happens when experts talk to audiences who are not experts. Examples include science journalism and health communication. The other way is called inreach. This refers to expert-to-expert communication. An example is when scientists publish findings in professional journals. Science communication also works as a social science research field. Researchers study things like misinformation and public opinion on new technologies.

A wide variety of people act as science communicators. Scientific experts and science journalists are common actors. Science artists and medical professionals also participate. Nature center educators and science advisors help as well. These communicators often use specific techniques to reach people. They use humor, storytelling, and metaphors. These tools help connect scientific facts to the values and interests of an audience.

Historically, the role of the scientist has changed. For many years, academic scientists were discouraged from public outreach. They were expected to focus only on academic journals. However, this is beginning to change. Research funders now expect researchers to have a broader impact. Many younger scholars are now using social media to engage the public. They still face some institutional barriers, but interest is growing.

There are many motivations for increasing scientific literacy. In 1987, Geoffery Thomas and John Durant discussed these reasons. They noted that more trained scientists can help a nation be economically competitive. Science can also provide aesthetic appeal, like in science fiction. It can also help individuals understand modern technology. Scientific knowledge can help people make moral decisions. For example, science can help us understand if animals feel pain.

Some scholars have criticized how science is communicated. In 1990, Steven Hilgartner discussed the "dominant view" of science popularization. He argued that some methods create a boundary between experts and the public. This can make the public seem "deficient" in knowledge. This is related to a concept called epistemic asymmetry. This happens whenever some people know more about a subject than others. Science communication tries to reduce this gap between people.

Science communication faces many modern challenges. Biologist Randy Olson noted that some anti-science groups are very well funded. This can lead to a crisis of public understanding. Journalist Robert Krulwich also noted that easy-to-read books can spread incorrect ideas. He mentioned how creationist textbooks were sold in large numbers in Turkey. Astrobiologist David Morrison has also had to address public fears about space objects. These examples show why effective communication is so important.

To improve, many suggest using more effective methods. Robert Krulwich argues that scientists should embrace metaphors like Galileo did. He believes telling stories of success and struggle helps people see scientists as real people. Marine biologist Randy Olson wrote a book called "Don't Be Such a Scientist." He encourages scientists to use storytelling and social science. Other people, like Matthew Nisbet, suggest using "opinion leaders." These are people like teachers or business leaders who are close to their communities.