SciComm Corner – Is it worth paying for professional science communication?
Is employing professional science communicators worth the investment?
Science communication is the practice of communicating scientific information to a non-specialist audience. It can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, but it can also be a valuable investment.
There are a number of reasons why it is worth paying for science communication:
- Accuracy and clarity: Science communication is a specialized field, and it takes time and skill to communicate scientific information in a way that is accurate, clear, and engaging. Paying for science communication can help to ensure that your message is communicated effectively.
- Reach: Science communication professionals have the skills and experience to reach a wider audience with your message. They can use a variety of channels, such as social media, public speaking, and writing, to reach people who might not otherwise be exposed to your message.
- Trust and credibility: When you work with a science communication professional, you are partnering with someone who has the expertise and experience to communicate your message in a way that builds trust and credibility. This can be especially important if you are trying to communicate about complex or controversial scientific topics.
- Time and resources: Science communication can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. If you do not have the time or resources to do it yourself, paying for science communication can be a wise investment.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pay for science communication is a personal one. However, there are a number of reasons why it can be worth the investment.
Here are some additional benefits of paying for science communication:
- Increased visibility: When you work with a science communication professional, you can reach a wider audience with your message. This is because science communication professionals have the skills and experience to use a variety of channels to reach people who might not otherwise be exposed to your message.
- Enhanced credibility: When you work with a science communication professional, you can build trust and credibility with your audience. This is because science communication professionals have the expertise and experience to communicate your message in a way that is accurate, clear, and engaging.
- Improved public understanding of science: When you work with a science communication professional, you can help to improve public understanding of science. This is because science communication professionals have the skills and experience to communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
If you are considering paying for science communication, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Choose a qualified and experienced professional: Make sure that you choose a science communication professional who has the skills and experience to communicate your message effectively.
- Be clear about your goals and objectives: Before you start working with a science communication professional, be clear about your goals and objectives for the communication project.
- Be prepared to invest time and resources: Communicating science effectively takes time and resources. Be prepared to invest in the project to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your investment in science communication.
ABOUT SCICOMM CORNER
As well as bringing you the latest science through our publication, we also like to share our opinions and insights about the world of science communication. Here we provide practical guidance for scientists and science communicators who desire to communicate science to a broader audience in an effective and engaging manner.
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Open access vs Public access the case for democratic outreach in academic communication
While the move towards open access and its benefit to the wider scientific community is laudable, it comes at a cost—a cost, like most publishing costs in academia, that is ultimately funded by the general public. In 2023, approximately 45% of academic papers were published as open access. This figure represents a continuation of the growth trend seen in open access publishing over the past decade. This figure is based on all OA models: fully open access (gold), green (self-archived), bronze (free to read without a clear license), and hybrid models. Approximately $2.25 billion of public funds were spent to make those academic papers open access.