How do you engage people with your science?

So you’re all over Twitter and Facebook and you even have a blog. Good on you – you’re your own public-relations and outreach specialist, getting the word out about your science. But what about the other kind of outreach – what’s still called science communication? Can you talk with a member of the press for an interview, or deliver your message to key thought leaders – such as government officials who decide on funding agencies’ annual budgets? Is it just a bit scarier than tweeting?

No worries – we’ve got this. Have a look below at the reads we’ve rounded up about how to engage in a more formal way – and, if you’re interested, taking it to a professional level.

When you’re addressing controversial issues, it’s crucial to adopt the appropriate tone.

 

It’s also important to know how to talk to reporters and public-relations folk – and to avoid avoiding them.

 

Twitter helps many, many scientists to shape their own message about their science.

 

But for those who hope to work in science communication, here are some thoughts from an attendee about a session we gave at a recent Naturejobs career expo on those jobs.

 

And we interviewed a former researcher who loves her current job in outreach at a university.