Scientists' incentives and attitudes toward public communication

Area of Science:

• Science communication and public engagement.

Background:

• Communicating science is crucial due to complex global challenges and scientific advancements.
• There's a growing demand for science communication across various sectors.
• Evaluating the scientific community's stance on public-facing communication is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current position of the scientific community regarding science communication.
• To identify factors influencing scientists' engagement in public-facing communication.
• To inform strategies for developing future science communicators and research.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive census of science faculty was conducted.
• The study focused on faculty at land-grant universities in the United States.
• Data was collected to analyze faculty perceptions and involvement in science communication.

Main Results:

• Scientists generally express strong approval for science communication initiatives.
• Key challenges identified include a lack of adequate institutional support.
• Limited confidence in communication skills among scientists poses a constraint.

Conclusions:

• While scientists value public engagement, institutional structures must evolve to support these efforts.
• Enhancing scientists' communication skills and providing robust institutional backing are critical.
• Addressing these tensions can foster a more effective next generation of science communicators.