Science Communication in a Crisis

by Christopher Reddy

Science Communication in a An Insider’s Guide identifies the principal challenges that scientists face when communicating with different stakeholder groups and offers advice on how to navigate the maze of competing interests and deliver actionable science when the clock is ticking. If a scientist’s goal is to deliver content and expertise to the people who need it, then other stakeholder groups―the media, the government, industry―need to be considered as partners to collaborate with in order to solve problems. Written by established scientist Christopher Reddy, who has been on the front lines of several environmental crisis events, the book highlights ten specific challenges and reflects on mistakes made and lessons learned. Reddy’s aim is not to teach scientists how to ace an interview or craft a soundbite, rather, through exploring several high-profile case studies, including the North Cape oil spill, Deepwater Horizon , and the 2021 Sri Lanka shipping disaster, he presents a clear pathway to effective and collaborative communication. This book will be a great resource for junior and established scientists who want to make an impact, as well as students in courses such as environmental and science communication.

Genres: Science

172 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2023

Reviews

[Apdoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Civic Engagement & Sustainable Science

I've been hoping for a guidebook like this for much of my career. Reddy's tips and advice relate to everyday science issues and communication with civic leaders, not just in crises. In order for science to serve "sustainability," (people, planet and performance) it also needs to impact policy through civic engagement, the 4th leg of sustainable science. Bravo!

[Hilary Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an early career scientist, Science Communication in a Crisis is an invaluable resource that I will continue to reference throughout my career. Chris uses an awesome combination of story telling from his learned experiences with how-to guides to discuss the different facets of science communication and how to approach them. This story telling aspect of this book makes it casual, approachable, and within reach for non-scientists. The communication lessons extend to day-to-day life, like navigating conversations at a family dinner. The publishing of this book could not be better timed; it is acutely relevant to how technology is changing the communication landscape and dissemination of science. Although scientists have a critical role in communicating their findings to the world, most of us are given no training on how to do this in either undergraduate or graduate school. I see this book as an absolute necessity for scientists and highly recommended for everyone else.