Waving through a window: Agricultural research faculty perspectives on science communication challenges

Area of Science:

• Agricultural research
• Science Communication

Background:

• Faculty engagement in science communication is crucial for public understanding.
• Existing frameworks for science communication engagement are limited for agricultural faculty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the challenges agriculture research faculty face in science communication.
• To identify barriers within personal, professional, and institutional dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using interviews with 11 agriculture research faculty.
• Analysis of challenges through the Faculty Science Communication Engagement Framework.

Main Results:

• Personal challenges include time, learning curve, audience, and media concerns.
• Professional barriers involve "it's not my job" attitudes and disciplinary norms.
• Institutional issues include lack of support, resources, and institutional value.

Conclusions:

• Faculty time, resources, institutional value, and knowledge gaps hinder science communication.
• Recommendations include targeted training, shared resources, and institutional recognition for science communication efforts.