The Science of Communicating Science: The Ultimate Guide

Description

Are you wishing you knew how to better communicate science, without having to read several hundred academic papers and books on the topic? Luckily Dr Craig Cormick has done this for you! This highly readable and entertaining book distils best practice research on science communication into accessible chapters, supported by case studies and examples. With practical advice on everything from messages and metaphors to metrics and ethics, you will learn what the public think about science and why, and how to shape scientific research into a story that will influence beliefs, behaviours and policies.

With over 30 years' experience, Craig Cormick is one of Australia's leading science communicators. He is the former President of the Australian Science Communicators, an award-winning author of more than 25 books, and is widely published in research journals, including those of Nature and Cell. He specializes in communicating complex science issues and has taught writing and public relations at universities in Australia and conducted communication workshops worldwide.

"In his guide to communicating science, Craig Cormick practices what he preaches: data instead of intuition, humour as a tool, stories as the medium. He illustrates how to communicate science in a way that generates lasting interest, rather than hype that inevitably disappoints or pomposity that keeps curiosity at bay." -- Dr Alan Finkel * Chief Scientist of Australia * "Craig Cormick's book, The Science of Communicating Science, is a wonderfully written and practical guide to the art of science communication. Cormick brings to the topic his many years of experience working in the communication of contentious areas of science and every chapter is underpinned by his understanding that science communication is a lot more than 'exciting the masses with research'. The receiver is just as important as the purveyor of knowledge and Cormick shows a genuine interest in and respect for the enormously varied needs and beliefs of 'the audience'. The idea that all we need to do is tell 'the public' about science and they'll all be fans is well and truly put to bed. The book does an excellent job of taking us outside the science communication silo, forcing us to ask why are we communicating and what's in it for our audience? I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be an effective science communicator." -- Dr Susannah Eliott (Chief Executive Officer) * Australian Science Media Centre * "First impression. 'Oh no, not another book on science communication'. Second impression on reading the book. 'This is really good and useful. I like the style'. Third thought. 'Perhaps there is room for just one more book. Every student of science and science communication should read this one.'" -- Professor Graham Durant * Director of Questacon *