Book Review: 50 Essentials on Science Communication

Jean Paul Bertemes, Serge Haan, Dirk Hans; ISBN: 9783110763577; De Gruyter Mouton; 2024; US$27.99

AS AN engineer in the energy sector with a public engagement side hustle, I have spent over 15 years stumbling across the rocky road of science communication. I have navigated the way by observing others and through (sometimes painful) trial and error. Reading this collection of articles left me with a much clearer structure around the art, science, and practicalities of science communication.

A range of experts have contributed, their separate articles skilfully woven into a coherent and succinct narrative. You could read the five sections (Basics, Strategy, Get Started, Channels, and Hot Topics) cover to cover for a full introduction to science communication, or dip into specific sections for a quick guide.

Beginning with the purpose, the authors dig into why science communication is important and its contributions to improving public understanding of pressing issues like climate change and vaccine acceptance.

If you are a researcher looking to get started on your science communication journey, or bolster your existing skills, the guidance provided in the second section and throughout the book is a great introduction. Communications professionals in universities or scientific institutions would also benefit from the information about communications departments and the function they serve. I did also find parallels with my own work in industry, such as the need for strong internal communications strategies. One simple and vital piece of advice also stuck out: design your communications for the target audience. For example, if you are expecting families to attend your scientific event, include something to keep children and young people engaged.

The third and fourth sections of the book are packed with tips and ideas for getting started and using the plethora of communications channels out there. One message resonated with me, given how much jargon many of us use on a daily basis: “research suggests that a text becomes difficult for a lay audience to understand if more than 2% of the words in it are jargon”.