Two-way communication between scientists and the public: a view from science communication trainers in North America

ABSTRACT

The current study explores the degree to which two-way communication is applied in science communication contexts in North America, based on the experiences of science communication trainers. Interviews with 24 science communication trainers suggest that scientists rarely focus on applying two-way communication tactics, such as listening to their audiences or tailoring messages based on their audiences’ needs. Also, although trainers generally recognize the value of two-way communication, it is seldom addressed in science communication trainings. The importance of two-way communication in fostering interactive dialogical communication between scientists and the public, and thus the importance of emphasizing it more during science communication training, is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Science communication
• public engagement
• two-way communication
• communication training
• qualitative interviews

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This project is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF, Grant AISL 14241214-421723). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.