Becoming a science communicator
The last 20 years has seen an explosion in organisations, schemes and projects in the field of public engagement with the sciences.
Who's who in public engagement?
For a quick run-through of the science communication field, have a look at our who's who and jargon buster:
Jargon buster (pdf 39kb)
There are a lot of acronyms in public engagement so here are what they mean.
Who's who? (pdf 45kb)
Find out who some of the key organisations in science communication are.
The Beacons for public engagement
A comprehensive resource about what public engagement is, with case studies, toolkits, funding and training information
Become a member of the British Science Association - for free!
It's free to become a member and receive our free communications including online People & Science magazine featuring the latest interviews and opinions about science communication. You can also sign up free to our e-lerts
Discussion lists
Many science communicators keep in touch using these free discussion lists.
PSCI-COM is a free email discussion list of about 2000 science communicators from a wide variety of backgrounds.
BIG chat is the discussion list for the British Interactive Group (BIG), a friendly group of science presenters and designers of interactive shows and exhibitions where you can share skills and experiences.
MSc Science Communication
Many universities offer undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in science communication and science media. See our list of science communication courses.
Work experience
The best way to find out what it's like to work in science communication is to get work experience. The British Science Association have paid internships throughout the year as British Science Festival Press Assistant (applications open in June) and National Science and Engineering Week press assistant (applications open in January).
Volunteering
Volunteer with our x-change, your local British Science Association Branch or the British Science Festival.
Training
Becoming a STEM ambassador will give you training and free CRB check to work in schools
Science Learning Centres provide high quality Continuing Professional Development for everyone involved in science education at all levels.
The University of the West of England run a Science Communication masterclass- created to provide professional development in science communication
Science writing
If you want to get into science journalism, become a member of the Association of British Science Writers, volunteer to write for your student newspaper, magazine or press office. BlueSci, Bang!, EuSci, IScience and Au are good examples of student science magazines
You could also write for Null Hypothesis or start a blog. Have a look at our Working with the media page for suggestions.
Jobs
There are many different jobs you can do as a science communicator. People work in science centres, for charities, universities, festivals, museums or member organisations and work in areas as diverse as policy, PR, education, exhibitions and the media.
See vacancies at the British Science Association.
Jo Brodie, Science Information Officer at Diabetes UK has put together a great list of jobs in science communication on her blog
Suggested reading
Read some of the most influential reports discussing public engagement with science.
The Public Understanding of Science -Royal Society report (1985) Read the influential Bodmer report which sparked the Public Understanding of Science movement.
House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology Third report, (2000) - A Follow up to the Bodmer report.
Science for All (Feb 2010) - Report and Action plan from the Science for All Expert Group, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
How to do it- guides for science communicators
Have a look at this practical advice from science communication experts.
Sharing Expertise - The Science Museum's resource toolkit for museums and science centres with expert tips and practical advice
Talking science to people - guide for science communicators (pdf 693kb)
by Dr Frank Burnet, Emeritus Professor of science communication, UWE
Resources
Wikiversity - a comprehensive resource on Science Communication in the UK
British Council - directory of science communication links
If you have any comments or questions please email Amy Lothian at events@britishsciencecommunication.org
Who's who in public engagement?
For a quick run-through of the science communication field, have a look at our who's who and jargon buster:
Jargon buster (pdf 39kb)
There are a lot of acronyms in public engagement so here are what they mean.
Who's who? (pdf 45kb)
Find out who some of the key organisations in science communication are.
The Beacons for public engagement
A comprehensive resource about what public engagement is, with case studies, toolkits, funding and training information
Become a member of the British Science Association - for free!
It's free to become a member and receive our free communications including online People & Science magazine featuring the latest interviews and opinions about science communication. You can also sign up free to our e-lerts
Discussion lists
Many science communicators keep in touch using these free discussion lists.
PSCI-COM is a free email discussion list of about 2000 science communicators from a wide variety of backgrounds.
BIG chat is the discussion list for the British Interactive Group (BIG), a friendly group of science presenters and designers of interactive shows and exhibitions where you can share skills and experiences.
MSc Science Communication
Many universities offer undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in science communication and science media. See our list of science communication courses.
Work experience
The best way to find out what it's like to work in science communication is to get work experience. The British Science Association have paid internships throughout the year as British Science Festival Press Assistant (applications open in June) and National Science and Engineering Week press assistant (applications open in January).
Volunteering
Volunteer with our x-change, your local British Science Association Branch or the British Science Festival.
Training
Becoming a STEM ambassador will give you training and free CRB check to work in schools
Science Learning Centres provide high quality Continuing Professional Development for everyone involved in science education at all levels.
The University of the West of England run a Science Communication masterclass- created to provide professional development in science communication
Science writing
If you want to get into science journalism, become a member of the Association of British Science Writers, volunteer to write for your student newspaper, magazine or press office. BlueSci, Bang!, EuSci, IScience and Au are good examples of student science magazines
You could also write for Null Hypothesis or start a blog. Have a look at our Working with the media page for suggestions.
Jobs
There are many different jobs you can do as a science communicator. People work in science centres, for charities, universities, festivals, museums or member organisations and work in areas as diverse as policy, PR, education, exhibitions and the media.
See vacancies at the British Science Association.
Jo Brodie, Science Information Officer at Diabetes UK has put together a great list of jobs in science communication on her blog
Suggested reading
Read some of the most influential reports discussing public engagement with science.
The Public Understanding of Science -Royal Society report (1985) Read the influential Bodmer report which sparked the Public Understanding of Science movement.
House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology Third report, (2000) - A Follow up to the Bodmer report.
Science for All (Feb 2010) - Report and Action plan from the Science for All Expert Group, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
How to do it- guides for science communicators
Have a look at this practical advice from science communication experts.
Sharing Expertise - The Science Museum's resource toolkit for museums and science centres with expert tips and practical advice
Talking science to people - guide for science communicators (pdf 693kb)
by Dr Frank Burnet, Emeritus Professor of science communication, UWE
Resources
Wikiversity - a comprehensive resource on Science Communication in the UK
British Council - directory of science communication links
If you have any comments or questions please email Amy Lothian at events@britishsciencecommunication.org
