Reading list

Do you want to learn more about science communication?

In this last article, we share with you some books and resources that can complement this course and help continue your learning journey. Given the vastity of the subject, this list is not exaustive, and it only includes resources in English. It is meant as a starting point and it does not aim to list local workshops, university courses or other forms of formal training.

Books

This short list of books on science communication has a focus on crafting an effective message. While many books have section on talking with the media and journalists, they were published in the late 2000s and early 2010s, and therefore do not include an up-to date section on science communication on the Internet

• Houston, We Have A Narrative: Why Science Needs Story. This book, written by Randy Olson, introduces some storytelling approaches that can be useful in crafting scientific messages, including the ABT template that we introduced in the previous week
• Communicating science: a scientist’s survival kit. This handbook by Giovanni Carrada was published in both Italian and English, and is freely available on the internet. While older than other publications, it is a valuable starting point, touching many aspects of science communication.
• Am I making myself clear? This book, by Cornelia Dean, discusses topics related to science communication and science journalism, including a chapter on the topic of objectivity.
• Science Communication: A Practical Guide for Scientists. This book, edited by Laura Bowater and Kay Yeoman, discusses multiple topics – from communication theory to numerous case studies exemplifying different science communication topics
• Escape from the ivory tower. Another classic book on science communication and finding your message, this book from Nancy Baron gives practical advice, including discussing the message box used in first activity of the last week
• Ethics and Practice in Science Communication. This book, edited by Susanna Priest, Jean Goodwin and Michael Dahlstrom, approaches the issue of science communication from a different point of view, defining ‘good’ science communication on the grounds of ethical considerations, rather than merely its effectiveness, therefore providing a different point of view to this topic
• Communicating science effectively: a research agenda. This book, edited by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and freely available on their website includes chapters on the psychological mechanisms that can affect science communication, as well on public controversies and uncertainty

Websites and online resources

• Communicating science with social media. A collection of articles, featuring numerous examples and external resources, some of which are directly related to the steps of the previous activities
• Ecological society of America. A curated collection of links, articles and resources on science communication, by the Communication and Engagement section of the Ecological Society of America.
• GAP2 methodological toolbox. Rather than focusing on science communication, this website is a collection of resources on stakeholder driven science, and therefore is connected with the last steps of the previous activities. While it focuses on a specific subject, it can be a source of inspirations for researchers wanting to include other stakeholders in their research projects.
• Science Writing Resources for Learning. This website from the University of British Columbia contains lessons devoted to different aspects of science writing – from grammar, to communicating uncertainty, to plagiarism
• Journal of Science Communication A peer-reviewed, open source journal devoted to the science of science communication. It includes both theoretical articles on science communication and more practical advices, reviews and letters
• Skype a Scientist. A project that aims to connect classrooms with experts. Unlike other resources linked in this article, this does not contain information on communicating science, but rather provides an opportunity to getting started in science communication
• Share your science. A collection of resources, articles and physical workshops
• Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America – Communicating science The official journal of the Ecological Society of America contains a list of best practices in science communication
• American Association for the Advancement of Sciences. The AAAS runs workshops and training programs for science communicators. Its website includes a science communication toolkit: articles and videos that deal with science communication topics

Did you find this list to be useful? If you believe we missed a useful resource and want to suggest something, share your links and suggestions in the comments section!