Science Communication

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society

Science Communication

(Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society)

Definition: The practice of effectively sharing and conveying scientific information, concepts, and findings to various audiences, including the general public, policymakers, educators, and other non-specialists. Its primary rhetorical goals are to increase understanding, foster informed decision-making, build trust in science, and inspire curiosity and engagement with scientific topics. Effective science communication usually exhibits the following qualities:

Accessible: Simplifies complex scientific ideas while maintaining accuracy.
Engaging: Uses storytelling, visuals, and relatable analogies to capture interest.
Audience-Centered: Tailors content to the knowledge, needs, and values of the target audience.
Purpose-Driven: Aims to educate, persuade, inform, or entertain, depending on the context.

Science communication bridges the gap between the scientific community and society by conveying complex scientific ideas in accessible, engaging, and audience-centered ways to inform, educate, and inspire.

Genres & Publications

(Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society)

Public lectures, science festivals, popular science articles, books, social media posts, blogs, documentaries, videos, infographics, interactive tools, policy briefs, and stakeholder presentations.

See Genres, Modes, & Media for information about the types or formats of science communication
See Publications & Platforms for a list of publishers, websites, & science communication sources.

Strategies for Effective Science Communication

(How to be Clear & Engaging with Public Audiences)

Target your audience.

Understand your audience's demographics, knowledge base, affiliations, paradigms, passions, and fears. Different groups care about different things. The public wants to know how research affects their lives, the media looks for what makes findings unique, investors focus on returns, peers think about collaborations, and leadership wants progress reports. Tailor your argument accordingly.

Know your purpose.

Communicate to achieve a specific goal: inform, inspire, change, educate, persuade, refute, call to action. Think about what you want to achieve—whether that is to secure funding, inform the public, dispel a myth, refute a claim, raise awareness, influence policy, or build trust. Frame your message and delivery around your ultimate goal.

Lead with the primary message.

Scientists often save conclusions for the end, but non-specialist audiences want the main point first, followed by why it matters, and then the details. Start with what is most important.

Avoid jargon.

Specialized terms, acronyms, and abbreviations can confuse outsiders. Use plain language, and if technical terms are unavoidable, explain them in everyday words. Test your explanations on people outside your field.

Be relatable.

Stories, analogies, and personal anecdotes help audiences connect with complex ideas. Engaging in dialogue—whether during Q&A or on social media—can also make science more approachable.

Use humor (when appropriate).

Smile! Light humor, puns, or witty remarks can make complex topics more approachable and keep your audience engaged. Just be sure it supports your message and doesn’t distract from the science.

Use visuals.

Charts, diagrams, and images can clarify concepts far better than text alone. Keep visuals simple and clear—avoid overwhelming your audience with overly technical graphics.

Emphasize takeaways (3 max).

Limiting yourself to three core points makes your message memorable. These could be key results, applications, or critical statistics—just make sure they stand out.

Tell a story.

Use narratives, metaphors, and personal anecdotes to humanize your rhetoric. Stories make complex ideas more relatable, spark curiosity, and help audiences remember your key message long after the details fade.

Use an analogical model.

Explain abstract or technical ideas by comparing them to familiar experiences. For example, describe electricity as water flowing through pipes or DNA as a recipe book. Analogies help audiences grasp concepts more quickly and remember them more clearly.

Emphasize meaning.

Go beyond presenting facts by highlighting why they matter. Connect your research to its broader implications—how it impacts people’s lives, shapes policy, or advances knowledge—so your audience understands both the significance and the purpose behind the science. Always be closing! Answer, "So what?" Explain the implications, likely effects, and potential outcomes.

Avoid overly technical details.

Favor clarity over complexity. Too many equations, acronyms, or niche methods can overwhelm your audience and distract from your core message. Share only the level of detail needed for understanding, and save technical depth for specialized discussions.

Be organized, structured, & cohesive.

Open with a hook and close with a clear takeaway, something memorable to reflect on. Stay on topic, on target, on time, and and finish where you began. "Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em. Tell 'em. And then tell 'em what you told 'em." - Shanafelt

SciComm Resources

(Communicate Science to Diverse Audiences)

UT Austin SciComm Resources

Communicating Your Science (College of Natural Sciences)
Offers graduate students and postdocs resources for effective science communication, including workshops, poster design guides, outreach programs, and the UT Science Communication Interest Group listserv. Includes the following resources:
1. - UT Science Communication Interest Group (SCIG)
    A cross-disciplinary community connecting students, faculty, and staff interested in science communication. Provides workshops, networking opportunities, and outreach activities.
  - UT STEM Outreach Programs (CNS)
    Connects scientists with K–12 students and educators through community engagement, public talks, and classroom visits—offering training in communicating science beyond academia.
  - UT Libraries: SciComm References
    Curated guides and resources from librarians, including recommended books, articles, and toolkits on science communication best practices.
  - Science Sketches (UT-affiliated resource)
    An initiative encouraging researchers to make short, accessible videos that explain their science in 60–90 seconds, using clear visuals and language.
Minor in Science Communication (Wayfinder, UT Austin)
An undergraduate program that pairs scientific study with training in communication, offered through the Moody College of Communication. Includes coursework in media, storytelling, and public engagement.
https://wayfinder.utexas.edu/degrees/minor-science-communication
Poster Templates & Printing (UT CNS)
Provides ready-to-use templates and design tips for research posters, along with guidance on printing options and visual best practices.
Empower Your Pitch (Graduate Career & Development, UT Austin)
A competition that challenges graduate students and postdocs to present their research in three minutes. Emphasizes clarity, creativity, and public engagement—with workshops and prizes included.

Authoritative Guidelines & Checklists

"A Checklist for Communicating Science and Health Research to the Public" (NIH)
A comprehensive checklist covering clarity, context, tone, transparency, visuals, and responsible framing of risks. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Institutional & Professional Training

Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
Offers in-person and virtual professional development programs, plus an MS in science communication—designed to help researchers communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
COMPASS (Center for Science and Policy Communication)
Provides strategic training, leadership programs, coaching, and communication tools (like "The Message Box") to help scientists engage and influence societal decision-making.

Conceptual Frameworks

The 4 Core Models of Science Communication (Pitch Science)
A breakdown of four distinct approaches: the Deficit Model, Contextual Model, Lay Expertise Model, and Participation Model—each with its own assumptions about audience and purpose.
The Art of Science Communication" (American Geophysical Union Science Communication Toolkit)
An online course that trains scientists to craft clear, engaging messages tailored to diverse audiences.

Academic & Peer-Reviewed References

"The 4 core models of science communication (and how they differ)"
Same resource as above—your go-to for background on communication models. (Pitch Science)
Framework for Tailoring Scientific Communications
A scholarly article offering a strategic framework aimed at improving accessibility and reach for scientific information. (PMC - PubMed Central)
Checklist for Communicating Evidence-Based Information
From Frontiers in Marine Science, this presents guidance for clear and accurate communication of research findings. - (PMC - PubMed Central)
PNAS: Effective Science Communication Strategies
Peer-reviewed research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on strategies to elevate science communication. PMC+1
Reflective Models in Science Communication - (SAGE Journals)
A theoretical exploration of how various science communication approaches develop and contrast in method and intent.

Foundational Overviews

Science Communication (Wikipedia)
A general overview of the field: definitions, models, historical context, and key practices—a great quick-start primer.

Storytelling

1. - "Storytelling in Science Writing" by Chris Greyson-Gaito (University of Guelph)

Specialized Studies & Deep Dives

Nature Communications: Science Communication Analysis
Insightful, peer-reviewed discussion of contemporary challenges or innovations in science communication. (PMC)
Wiley Online Library: Science Education & Communication
Research-driven perspectives on best practices and pedagogical approaches within science communication. (PMC)
UT Austin Libraries: Science Communication Guide
A resource hub offering curated links on tools, best practices, and further reading—ideal for grounding your early efforts. (PMC)

Video Learning Examples

Science Communication - (Global Health with Greg Martin)
A visual walkthrough or tutorial on science communication—great for seeing theory in practice.
Science and the Public - (American Psychological Association)
Another example—perhaps a case study or explanation of a communication model in action.

Becoming a Science Communicator

(How To Become a Professional Science Communicator)

If you are interested in breaking into science communication, here are some solid first-steps, resources, and suggestions:

Get Familiar with the Field

Read widely: Follow established outlets like Scientific American, Nature News, Quanta, Science News, New Scientist, and NPR Science to see how professionals frame stories.
Watch/Listen: Study video and audio work from PBS NOVA, BBC Horizon, SciShow, Veritasium, Kurzgesagt, and Science Vs (podcast) for models of how complex ideas are explained.

Build Core Skills

Writing: Practice writing short explainers about new scientific findings. Aim to translate jargon into plain, vivid language.
Storytelling: Learn to identify the “so what?” of a piece of research—the human or societal relevance.
Multimedia Basics: If you’re leaning toward video, start experimenting with simple editing software (DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush).

Start Practicing Publicly

Blog/Newsletter: Launch a Substack, Medium blog, or personal site where you post short science explainers.
Social Media: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts are big for quick science communication.
Portfolio: Begin archiving your writing or video work in a professional portfolio—it will matter when pitching editors or applying for fellowships.

Training and Programs

Workshops & Courses
- 1. 1. 1. MIT Knight Science Journalism online resources
        The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science (focus on storytelling)
        Coursera/edX courses in science communication or journalism basics
Graduate Programs (optional, not required):
- 1. 1. 1. UC Santa Cruz’s Science Communication Program
        MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing

First Professional Steps

Freelance Pitches: Many science writers begin by pitching short articles to outlets like The Conversation, Undark Magazine, and popular science publications.
Internships & Fellowships: Look at the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship (summer, for early-career communicators) or NPR/PBS internships.
Networking: Join professional organizations like the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) or the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ).

Video Production Pathways

Scriptwriting: Draft short, compelling scripts (2–3 minutes) that explain one concept clearly. Focus on narrative hook + simple explanation + memorable takeaway.
Voice & Delivery: Record yourself explaining science in a conversational tone. Practice pacing, emphasis, and clarity—think “curious guide” rather than “lecturer.”
Editing: Learn basic editing tools (DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie). Start with simple cuts, text overlays, and background music to keep things engaging.
Visuals: Experiment with diagrams, stock footage (e.g., Pixabay, Pexels), or animation (Canva, Blender, After Effects). Visual reinforcement helps simplify complex ideas.
Platforms: Test different formats on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, or Instagram Reels. Notice what gets engagement and refine based on audience feedback.
Style Benchmarking: Analyze existing creators (SciShow, Kurzgesagt, Veritasium, PBS Digital Studios). Break down how they structure visuals, sound design, and pacing.
Reel Building: Compile your best short videos into a portfolio reel. Keep it concise (2–3 minutes total), showing range—explainer, interview, animated segment.
Collaboration: Partner with local scientists, labs, or museums to produce mini-documentaries. This gives you access to expertise, visuals, and a broader audience.

Who Employs Science Communicators

(The Profession of Science Communication)

Most science communicators start with a mix—freelance articles or videos to build a portfolio, then transition into more stable staff positions if desired.

Media Outlets: Newspapers, magazines, digital science platforms (e.g., Scientific American, Nature News, NPR Science, Undark).
Universities & Research Institutions: Communication offices, press offices, and outreach programs employ staff to translate faculty research into public stories.
Government Agencies: Organizations like NASA, NIH, NSF, EPA, or CDC have dedicated science communication teams.
Nonprofits & NGOs: Advocacy groups (e.g., Union of Concerned Scientists) and conservation orgs (e.g., WWF) rely heavily on communicators.
Industry & Corporations: Pharma, biotech, tech, and energy companies employ science writers for public relations, marketing, and technical communication.
Museums, Zoos, & Science Centers: Education and outreach staff interpret science for visitors.

Freelance vs. Staff Roles

Freelance: Many science communicators work as freelance writers, video producers, or consultants. This offers flexibility but requires constant pitching, networking, and managing contracts. Freelancing is especially common in science journalism.
Staff Positions: Stable, salaried roles exist in universities, government labs, nonprofits, and companies. These jobs often focus on outreach, press releases, content strategy, or public engagement.

Job Prospects

Growing Demand: Public interest in science (especially in health, climate, and tech) has expanded opportunities. COVID-19 highlighted the need for clear science communication.
Competition: Science journalism is competitive and shrinking in traditional newsrooms, but opportunities are growing in digital media, institutional comms, and corporate sectors.
Entry Points: Fellowships (AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, NPR/PBS internships) and institutional internships are strong first steps.
Outlook: Overall, prospects are best for communicators who can work multimodally (writing + video + social media), and who adapt to audiences beyond academia.

Science Communication Salary

(Wages for Science Communication Professionals)

Science communication professional salaries vary significantly, but generally fall within the range of $49,000 to $109,595 annually, with the specific figure depending on factors like job title, experience, and location. Entry-level positions might start around $41,500, while more senior roles like Scientific Communications Manager can command salaries between $66,000 and $97,500, and full-time positions can average over $109,000.

Salary Factors

Job Title: Specialized roles like Scientific Communications Specialist or Manager command different pay scales than a general Science Communicator.
Experience: Higher salaries are typically found for those with more years of experience.
Location: Salaries can differ based on the city or state.
Full-Time vs. Freelance: Full-time roles tend to have higher average salaries.

Salary Examples by Job Title

Science Communicator
1. 1. - Around $49,064 per year, with a common range of $41,500 to $55,500.
Scientific Communications Specialist
1. 1. - An average of $67,006 per year, with a common range of $38,500 to $45,499.
Scientific Communications Manager
1. 1. - Salaries typically range from $66,000 to $97,500 annually.

Salary Info

ZipRecruiter Salaries provides real-time data on average salaries and salary ranges.
Indeed Salaries offers salary information for communication specialist roles, which can be relevant to science communication.
Glassdoor also provides salary data and insights into the field.