Science communication is the practice of informing, educating, and raising awareness of science-related topics among non-expert audiences. For educators in STEM courses, effective science communication is essential. It not only enhances students' understanding but also inspires interest, fosters critical thinking, and bridges the gap between complex scientific concepts and everyday understanding.

Science communication is a rapidly expanding field within the realm of communications. In recent years, the widespread use of social media and digital platforms has revolutionized access to scientific content. However, this progress has also given rise to an increase in misinformation and fake news, which aim to discredit well-established scientific evidence spanning decades and even centuries. There is now an urgent need for the scientific community to prioritize not only research but also effective dissemination of evidence-based findings to the public.

According to a note published by Newcastle University, science communication encompasses a wide range of practices that aim to convey scientific ideas, methods, knowledge, and research to non-expert audiences in ways that are accessible, understandable, and useful. The target audience for science communication should not need to have a prior interest or educational background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The field of science communication is multidisciplinary and draws from various communication disciplines and styles. It includes the academic study of communicating science to different publics and encompasses research, critiques, and debates on models of science communication practiced by science communicators. Additionally, science communication can be understood as the use of appropriate skills, media, activities, and dialogue to evoke personal responses to science such as awareness, enjoyment, interest, opinion-forming, and understanding. "Awareness" in this context means becoming acquainted with new aspects of science, while "enjoyment" refers to affective responses, such as appreciating science as entertainment or art. "Interest" denotes voluntary engagement with science or its communication, while "opinion-forming" refers to forming, reforming, or confirming attitudes towards science. Finally, "understanding" encompasses comprehending the content, processes, and social factors of science.

It is considered that there are four levels of science communication: Intraspecialist, Interspecialist, Pedagogic, and Popular levels. The intraspecialist level is the most distinctively esoteric level, typified by papers published in specialized scientific journals. Empirical data, references to experimental work, and graphs predominate.

Levels of science communication

The interspecialist level includes various texts, from interdisciplinary articles published in ‘bridge journals’ such as Nature and Science to papers given at meetings of researchers belonging to the same discipline, but working in different areas. The pedagogic level is a ‘textbook science’, where the theoretical corpus is already developed and consolidated and the current paradigm is presented as complete. The emphasis is on the historical perspective and the cumulative nature of the scientific endeavour. The popular level covers articles on science published in the daily press and the ‘amateur science’ of television documentaries. Cloıˆtre and Shinn point to the quantity of metaphorical images in these texts and their marked attention to issues concerning health, technology and the economy.

Science communication plays a crucial role in connecting scientific knowledge with society. It influences research directions, public engagement, and how society perceives scientific progress. Embracing inclusive science communication principles is essential in our diverse world. By being inclusive, communication efforts can amplify voices that are often left out of scientific conversations, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape research agendas and innovations. Inclusivity also creates environments where different communities feel valued and engaged, encouraging broader participation in scientific activities. This approach not only enhances the relevance and impact of scientific advancements, but also builds a society where the benefits of science are equally accessible and understood. Inclusive science communication is more than just words; it reflects a commitment to fairness and fosters a dialogue that enhances both scientific understanding and societal unity.

Inclusive Science

In the realm of science communication, there is an ongoing discussion about who should take on the role of creating content. Some argue that only professional scientists have the necessary expertise to effectively explain scientific news. They point to respected media outlets where former scientists have transitioned into journalism, establishing a standard for science communication. On the other hand, it is also crucial for scientists to possess writing skills to effectively convey high-quality science to the public. However, many scientists lack the time, motivation, or writing abilities. Therefore, the role of the science journalist becomes essential; they should be capable of asking the right questions to comprehend complex processes and then communicate the information to the appropriate audience. A competent science journalist can take on the responsibility of science communication as well.

Science communication and science journalism differ in their aims, target audience, communication style, and most importantly reliability and accuracy. Science communication seeks to transfer research, knowledge and discoveries to other scientists, professionals and the wider community. Science communication uses official scientific language and reasoning. The tone is formal and direct, full of technical terminology. Science communication is a subject for the highest standard of reliability and accuracy, like peer review.

Yet, science journalism is more relaxed and aims to inform a wider audience with more simplistic language. However, it still has high requirements for transparency and reliability.

Let’s talk about science communication goals, which stem from promoting scientific literacy and interest in science as well as an informed decision-making process. It also seeks to fight disinformation with scientific accountability. And finally, every scientist should strive to build trust in science.