ABSTRACT

Communicating science and technology is a high priority of many research and policy institutions, a concern of many other private and public bodies, and an established subject of training and education. Over the past few decades, the field has developed and expanded significantly, both in terms of professional practice and in terms of research and reflection.

The Routledge Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology provides a state-of-the-art review of this fast-growing and increasingly important area, through an examination of the research on the main actors, issues, and arenas involved.

In this brand-new revised edition, the book brings the reviews up-to-date and deepens the analysis. As well as substantial reworking of many chapters, it gives more attention to digital media and the global aspects of science communication, with the inclusion of four new chapters. Several new contributors are added to leading mass-communication scholars, sociologists, public-relations practitioners, science writers, and others featured herein.

With key questions for further discussion highlighted in each chapter, the handbook is a student-friendly resource and its scope and expert contributors mean it is also ideal for both practitioners and professionals working in the field. Combining the perspectives of different disciplines and of different geographical and cultural contexts, this original text provides an interdisciplinary and global approach to the public communication of science and technology. It is a valuable resource for students, researchers, educators, and professionals in media and journalism, sociology, the history of science, and science and technology.

chapter 1|14 pages

Science communication research: themes and challenges

ByMassimiano Bucchi, Brian Trench

chapter 2|12 pages

Popular science books: from public education to science bestsellers

ByAlice Bell, Jon Turney

chapter 3|13 pages

Science journalism: prospects in the digital age

BySharon Dunwoody

chapter 4|18 pages

Science museums and centres: evolution and contemporary trends

ByBernard Schiele

chapter 5|12 pages

Public relations in science: managing the trust portfolio

ByRick E. Borchelt, Kristian H. Nielsen

chapter 6|13 pages

Scientists as public experts: expectations and responsibilities

ByHans Peter Peters

chapter 7|14 pages

Scientists in popular culture: the making of celebrities

ByDeclan Fahy, Bruce V. Lewenstein

chapter 8|16 pages

Science and technology in film: themes and representations

ByDavid A. Kirby

chapter 9|12 pages

Environmentalists as communicators of science: advocates and critics

BySteven Yearley

chapter 11|20 pages

Public understanding of science: survey research around the world

ByMartin W. Bauer, Bankole A. Falade

chapter 14|12 pages

Communicating the social sciences: a specific challenge?

ByAngela Cassidy