Hi all! I’m not exactly sure if this is the right place for this. I’m an experienced marketing manager with my BA in Graphic Design. I’ve always had a passion for design and communication, hence why I went into graphic design. However, I’ve also always had a passion for the natural sciences. I’m currently going to school for a certificate in horticulture.

I’ll soon be volunteering at my local natural history museum, and I mentioned to one of the directors that I’m trying to figure out how to combine marketing and design with natural science as a career. Unfortunately the position is already filled, but they have a position called Science Communications Manager and she said this could give me a direction to look in.

I guess I’m wanting to see if this field is viable with my skillset, or if there’s something else? I’m aware this will most likely be a niche, difficult position to find, but I’m also not in a rush because I have a good job. I’m just trying to navigate looking for a job I’d be passionate about. I’d consider getting an associates in biology or something similar if that’d be helpful. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hello, I’m a Communications major and English minor in college… I love biology but math scared me away from the major. I’ve recently discovered that science communication or environmental journalism could combine my passion for science with my writing skill and I’d like to get my foot in the door. I’ve seen plenty of advice and resources on the internet for scientists going into science communication, but nothing for people with writing backgrounds going into it. Could someone please give me any advice on where to start?

I’m currently a full-time researcher in neuroscience hoping to pursue Ph.D. programs in either neuroscience or psychology. However, multiple factors are negatively impacting my drive for applying to my dream programs (gap years, mental health, time/cost benefit, etc.). I also spend my free time creating videos on TikTok surrounding academia and my neuro/psych knowledge, which has led me to considering a career in science communication (or similar field) instead.

Are programs dedicated to science communication worth the money and time if I want to eventually choose between doing it as a full-time career OR using it to boost my graduate school applications?

Does anyone know of any scicomm Master's Programs in New England (Preferably MA) or any credible online scicomm Master's Programs? Additionally, I have a BS in Biology and have spent two years working in an infectious disease lab at Tufts. Are there any jobs or opportunities I should look for that would improve my chances of getting accepted into an MS program?

I am most interested in tips about publicizing video content and content about social science, psychology and neuroscience (because that is what I make), but I am still definitely interested in hearing the perspectives of people who make and publicize other things. Happy to share what knowledge I have in the comments if anyone is interested.

Thanks in advance.

Hello all. Possible stupid question follows (sorry)! It seems to me that while there is long-established and developing field of "science communication", with its own professional community (and indeed its own science), there is no broader defined field of "research communication". Further, the literature on science communication variably incorporates references to the social sciences and humanities, but at other times is very clearly about the pure and life sciences.

My question is therefore whether "science" and "research" communication are interchangeable terms? If not, what is the difference?

In addition, assuming that there is at least a lot of overlap between these concepts (as I think there might be), do we risk creating a hierarchy with regard to what research gets communicated by prioritising the use of the term "science communication" in nomenclature?

I’m early career and really just getting started. I’ve been published a couple of times but my goal now is to build my portfolio. I have another full time job. I’ve been offered an unpaid position for a science related nonprofit and would be required to submit one article a month. I think this might be a good start and a way to work with an editor and gain some credibility. They could also write me a recommendation letter later if needed. Is this a good move or a waste of time?

Looking for data such as percentage of land used for different types of agriculture, amount of production, etc.

Curious how people run their finances. Do you have a licensed business and a business bank account? How do you handle business expenses?

There seems to be a lot of discussion around the reasons why PhD scientists don’t use LinkedIn to talk about their research. But, I’d love to hear things from the horses mouths. I am a PhD scientist who is no longer in the lab and I know when I was doing research I didn’t want to use LinkedIn.

Let’s hear your thoughts.

Hi, I'm looking for an example of a really bad science communication. An interview, ideally, but can also be other format, where the scientist has no idea how to talk to a broader audience, for example they immediately use a lot of jargon that they don't explain, the story is uninteresting and has no angle etc.

Thanks a lot!

Hi, I'm looking for sources about scicomm in rural areas.

Does anything come to mind?

Thank you!

Hello!

I’m just beginning my journey of looking into science writing as a career and need some advice on which programs to pursue.

Currently, I am deciding between a science writing certificate program at UCSD or a masters program at Johns Hopkins.

Does anyone know why a certificate would be “better” or ”worse” than a masters? The cost for a certificate is significantly more affordable than a masters, but the courses seems relatively similar so I’m very confused as to which would be more beneficial for a career pathway.

Thanks for any advice!

Hello everyone,

I would please like to get some advice on career transition in the SciComm field. I have a solid technical background in environmental sciences and biotech (2 undergrads+1 advanced tech diploma), and currently work for a Tier 1 municipality in Ontario, Canada. My current job entails writing admin policies and processes for public engagement in engineering projects; so basically, a non-technical but substantial writing endeavor.

Working in SciComm is an avenue I'm looking at, as a full time job. There are many options out there in terms of training; I was specifically looking at RCIScience's science communication certificate that is comparatively affordable than a full-fledged University or College program. Additionally, I'm currently enrolled in Stanford University's free course called Writing in The Sciences (Coursera), which I found to be useful and practical.

Any leads as to where I can start writing for Science blogs/websites, even for a measly pay? I'm looking to gain experience and writing samples under my belt. My focus is not pay for the time being, but to successfully transition to a professional level SciComm Writer.

Many thanks in advance to all who have replied :)

Greetings to the community!

To my knowledge, there are two kinds of people who communicate science: researchers (who communicate the impact of their own work) and non-researchers, who are "science communicators" (they could be journalists with a scientific background, or people who create informative videos, or people working in museums, organisations, etc). Apparently, the ones from the latter group do not conduct reasearch.

Regarding researchers, no-one really knows the potential or the limitations of their reasearch better than them. However, they often lack the ability to inform the public effectively about their accomplishments. This is why only few researchers talk about their science to the masses and this is why this process is usually up to mediators.

On the other hand, "science mediators" might be closer to the way an average person thinks, so they may be more effective at targeting their audience. However, sometimes, they may lack the deep understanding of a scientific concept, which is required in order to be precise on what they actually want to communicate. The result is bad science communication.

Do you think that researchers should be better trained in order to engage the public? Do you believe it is possible to be trained on communicating a concept better, or is it more of an innate thing? If researchers can actually be trained, are "science mediators", in that context, actually necessary?

Who should be "allowed" to communicate science after all, so that there is maximum impact on society? Are both groups the same in terms of importance?

​

i graduated with a neuroscience degree on 2021 from a prestigious university. I've been applying for junior roles in med comms agencies but i never make it past the assessment stage. usually due to the timed nature of the assessments. i'm pretty sure i have some sort of neurodivergence because while i hold my professional qualities highly - detail orientated, meticulous worker, diligent - my brain struggles to absorb information as quickly as others. i always take my time with projects in university and it's getting me down knowing that this is an obstacle i struggle to overcome. i'm also almost 27 and i feel so behind compared to my younger peers.

words of encouragement and personal anecdotes that relate to my situation please.

I recently earned my PhD in a STEM discipline and would like to work in science communication, because I am beyond passionate about making science accessible to the public. I'm particularly interested in designing exhibits for science centres or creating curricula and activities for STEM camps for kids. I've been searching online but would appreciate any suggestions you might have for organizations or institutes that hire scientists for these types of roles. If you have any experience in this field, I'd love to hear from you, especially if you’re willing to give me any kind of advice about how I can get my foot in the door for this kind of career!

Hello! I'm a former sports journalist (published in The Athletic and MLB) trying to break into science journalism. I have a bachelors and 4 years experience in journalism and currently working toward a masters in science writing at Johns Hopkins.

When I look for internships and jobs it seems like everyone has a PhD or advanced degree in science. Is it necessary to succeed in the industry?

SOS! (Also, does anyone have any ledes on entry level jobs or internships for a novice science writer?)

If You’re working in DeepTech startup, Research company/CRO, Scientists PR, scientific equipment sales - what software and contacts databases do you use to communicate for hr, sales, pr ? Who’s your target group and how easy is to reach decision makers ? What’s your workflow to do that ?

What are some reliable metrics that an organization can use to evaluate the success of its science communications content?

I know this may vary depending on the type of content, but I was wondering what types of metrics I should be using to measure success of social media posts, internal articles, external articles, website content, and other matters of that nature.

Hello SciCom takes a look back at some of 2023's biggest science news stories.

https://reddit.com/link/18jaxzc/video/2pzq3n5p1j6c1/player

Any intel or experience (either yours or someone you know) with the Science Communication MSc program at the University of Edinburgh? I’m applying and am having a hard time finding/connecting with past students and would love to get more perspective on the program. Thanks!

TLDR:: I'm trying to quicken my research and see if anyone has any go-to resources to quickly connect the dots between wetlands, ecosystem services, and community health. And or Reccs. for other subs to post in 🙏

Location is Venice, Florida. Sarasota county, Southwest part of the state. Near drought conditions.

Title says it all. I need help 'sourcing technical and academic resources to educate my neighbors' and conserve a very small wetland in my HOA controlled neighborhood ☹️ Please no comments about HOAs. I did not choose this and it is what it is. This could be happening in your backyard as well.

So we've got a negative Nancy who's complaining about the 'grown-up grass' in the stormwater detention pond behind her house. I guess she doesn't like the aesthetics and she would like it removed so she could see surface water on the pond. 🤮 As a sustainability professional I've been identified as a 'pond expert' by my MIL, and I've just been rolling with it. 🤣

So I survey the pond, it's less than 50% covered with about three species of plants. I have a small workbook provided by the county government that tells me your stormwater pond should have about five species of plants and plant coverage between 40 to 85% is considered healthy. I told the HOA president that my concerns are in this order:

1. Presence of plastic and metal trash that should be removed
2. Bare soil in the littoral area that should be planted.
3. Lack of trees in buffer zone.

He didn't like my short answer that my pond analysis findings are to increase the amount of plants not decrease the amount of plants. 😈

It should also be noted that we are in near drought conditions. We didn't get nearly enough rain this summer and so the pond is about 2 ft lower than it was designed for and so it looks like you can imagine. The water has all retreated to the very center areas where there is standing water are very shallow and so the plants have encroached to where they are comfortable. It looks very healthy and balanced to me and is visited by quite a lot of birds and wildlife.

I'm trying to make the case that we shouldn't perform environmental destruction that's going to negatively impact an entire watershed for the aesthetic preferences of one homeowner (who's probably over 80 and doesn't give a shit about destroying the environment because she's going to be dead in 10 years anyways). And apparently has been successful in bullying the HOA to get her way in the past.

So I obviously know what to do with the pond but I don't know how to educate and enlighten the opponents of the pond.

I tried to go real over the top and explain that it's an ecosystem service and not an ornamental reflection pond. But the HOA wants to 'please everyone' and is still asking me for a remedy. So I'm going to keep advocating that we need to please the Earth, and that's where I'm asking for help.

I know from decades of experience as a sustainability professional that you can't just lead with facts and expect people to change their hearts and minds. However my specialty is not in ponds and wetlands and I'm trying to quicken my research and see if anyone has any go-to resources to quickly connect the dots between wetlands, ecosystem services, and community health. I do need some facts and I'm working to present them in an emotional story.

I think my best advantage is that the Southwest coast of Florida is crippled with red tide algae blooms every year in the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists have been saying for decades that the cause is unknown but we do know that surface water run off contains lots of pollutants that fuel the growth of these types of things to create and balances in our waterways. I don't know if I should include a slide in the presentation that's just like removing plants equals increasing red tide but if anyone has any ideas on how to communicate that it would also love it!!

Blessings of love and light from my garden to yours 🫶