What do science communicators do?
Image by Clare Fearon.
There are a variety of things you can do as a science communicator. From Street Science, Science Busking and Soapbox Science, which tend to be more on the engagement side of the science communication spectrum, to science writing for mass media, podcasting, video, blogging and social media, which tend to be more on the deficit side. The main take home message here is that ‘there’s something for everyone’.
There are also opportunities for event organising, including science festivals, science shops, café scientifiques, museum exhibitions and many other types of events. No need to be an expert in all of these though, better to stick with one or two and develop your skills over time. Outreach for schools is a speciality at Newcastle University, and they have a range of activities for young people that need volunteers from senior level researchers to undergraduate students.
Examples of science communication
- The ConversationThe Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public. You can sign up for regular briefings via email.
Recent examples from Newcastle University include:
Scientists around the world are already fighting the next pandemic.
Rewilding: rare birds return when livestock grazing has stopped.
- Conserving Biodiversity: a 2030 storyPresentations on how researchers, policymakers, land managers and conservationists can work together to improve biodiversity.
- Patient and Public Involvement in ResearchThe University's Institute of Health and Society works closely with communities to share its expertise, explore issues that are important to society, and to support civic and community groups to participate in policy.
- A Short Scientist - blogAward nominated science communication blog bringing science to everyone.
- UK Conference of Science Journalists (UKCSJ)The UKCSJ runs on alternate years to fit with the alternate year programme of the World Conference of Science Journalists.
TED talks
Sugata Mitra, Professor of Educational Technology at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University, discussed his School in the Cloud, a learning lab in India, where children can explore and learn from each other.
Phil James, Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Newcastle University, director of the Newcastle Urban Observatory and lead of the UK National UK Urban Observatory Programme, discusses the many challenges in the quest to becoming a Smart City but also looks at the payoff that big urban data will provide in making a better city for all whilst also reducing our impact on the global climate crisis.
Podcasts
- Inspiring Research PodcastA podcast to showcase some of the best social science research in the North East of England and Northern Ireland from institutions across the NINE Doctoral Training Partnership. Listen to the one of the latest episodes with Dr Helen Wareham (School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences) talking about child development & the future of the workforce.
- Desert Island Discs - Professor Monica GradyEpisode of Desert Island Discs featuring Professor Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University. Professor Grady discusses what works well in science communication and why her work communicating science is important.
- RadiolabAward winning podcast dedicated to investigating a strange world. Praised for their investigative use of radio to make science accessible to broad audiences.
- The Naked ScientistsAward-winning science podcasts and science radio shows.
- Engineering MattersA podcast that celebrates the work of engineers who use ingenuity, practicality, science, theory and determination to build a better world.
- Pint of Science PodcastPodcast discussing scientists and their research.
- Fast Track ImpactMultiple resources, including a podcast, on Science Communication and how your research can make an impact.
Blogs
- STEM Newcastle BlogBlog written by a team of recent STEM graduates from Newcastle University, whose main aim is to encourage more young people to get involved with STEM subjects.
- Writer in the Lab BlogBrett Cherry's blog, looking at scientific breakthroughs and innovations, mainly from researchers at Newcastle University and colleagues.
- Short Scientist: Bringing Science to EveryoneScience blog covering a wide range of topics, written by Lauren Nelson, Ph.D. student at Newcastle University.
- Pint of Science BlogBlog covering research, exciting science events and interviews with some extraordinary scientists.
Public science talks
Below are a selection of interesting public engagement opportunities that you can volunteer to support:
- Pint of SciencePint of Science is an annual worldwide science festival that takes place in May and brings researchers to your local pub to present their scientific discoveries. The organisers also run a weekly podcast.
- Soapbox ScienceSoapbox Science is a public outreach platform for promoting women scientists and the science they do. The annual events transform public areas into an arena for public learning and scientific debate. Each year Soapbox Science looks for volunteer speakers and event support teams to engage with the public in a fun and informal way.
- I'm a ScientistI’m a Scientist is an online activity where school students connect with scientists. Students challenge the scientists over fast-paced online text-based live CHATs. They ask the scientists anything they want, and vote for their favourite scientist to win a prize that will allow them to communicate their work with the public.
Applications are open year round. - I'm an EngineerI’m an Engineer is an online activity where school students connect with engineers. Students challenge the engineers over fast-paced online text-based live CHATs. They ask the engineers anything they want, and vote for their favourite engineer to win a prize that will allow them to communicate their work with the public.
Applications are open year round.