Science Communication: A Practical Guide for Scientists

by Laura Bowater, Kay Yeoman

Science communication is a rapidly expanding area and meaningful engagement between scientists and the public requires effective communication.Designed to help the novice scientist get started with science communication, this unique guide begins with a short history of science communication before discussing the design and delivery of an effective engagement event. Along with numerous case studies written by highly regarded international contributors, the book discusses how to approach face-to-face science communication and engagement activities with the public while providing tips to avoid potential pitfalls.This book has been written for scientists at all stages of their career, including undergraduates and postgraduates wishing to engage with effective science communication for the first time, or looking to develop their science communication portfolio.

Genres: Science, Writing, Nonfiction, Communication

402 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

I am a new Professor of Microbiology Education and Engagement at the Norwich Medical School but I started my career as a young scientist who studied bacteria for more than twenty years before I moved to the University of East Anglia in 2007. I am lucky enough to teach medical students about microbiology and infectious diseases. I am passionate about communicating science to a diverse audience and I try to encourage other scientists to do the same. I am genuinely worried about the escalating problem of global antibiotic resistance and I am working hard to raise awareness about this approaching threat and to let everyone know what they can do to combat this looming problem.

Reviews

[Ruth McAvinia · Rating 1 out of 5]

For a book that claims to be interested in bridging the gap to the social sciences, they seem to have ignored an awful lot and decided the passive voice and the deficit model shall only be prised out of their cold dead hands. There’s an amazing bit where they want to find out about drama and so, if I understood correctly, Googled one year of the Edinburgh festival. The 6pt font was a bit of a challenge too. A book written a decade ago that feels like it came from half a century before. Scientists, try asking artists and communicators what they do rather than taking their work Jack Skellington-style to the lab in an attempt to reverse engineer it.

[Madie Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the first textbook that hasn't made me want to start screaming.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book desperately needs a visual update and the reader needs to keep in mind that it's very UK-centric. Nevertheless, it is a very useful guide for anyone interested in SciComm