Communicating Science: A Roundtable Discussion Three educators
who specialize in helping scientists become better communicators
state a strong case for why scientists should engage the world
beyond their labs, and share some of the most important
principles for good communications. NEVER BEFORE HAVE THERE BEEN
more opportunities for working scientists to reach out to the
public about their work... and many would argue that never
before were there so many reasons for doing so. They point to
high schools needing inspiration for a new generation of
scientists, or legislatures needing to understand the benefits
of scientific initiatives that vitally depend on a shrinking
pool of public funds, or a world whose health depends on
everyone understanding the body of knowledge only science can
provide. So why do too many scientists remain unconvinced that
good communication skills should be integral to their careers?
And for those who are convinced, why does communicating well
often prove difficult? Recently, three edu