The distribution of science communication teaching around the globe

Massarani, Luisa; Bray, Heather; Joubert, Marina; Ridgway, Andy; Roche, Joseph; Smyth, Fiona; Stevenson, Elizabeth; van Dam, Frans; de Abreu, William Vieira

Abstract

In the context of a special issue of this journal focused on teaching science communication, we present a map of the geographical distribution of 122 science communication teaching programmes from 31 countries around the world. This mapping study resulted from a collaboration between members of the PCST Teaching Forum and the research team at GlobalSCAPE, a research project funded by the European Commission to explore the global state of science communication. Our findings highlight the concentration of these programmes in the U.S.A. and Europe, and the dominance of English as the language of instruction. We ponder the causes and implications of the disparities in opportunities for studying science communication in other world regions and languages. The dearth of science communication educational pathways in developing countries may limit the professionalisation of the field, as well as research and evidence-based practice that is locally needed and relevant.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 11, 2023
• Publication Date: Dec 11, 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 4, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 13, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Science Communication
• Print ISSN: 1824-2049
• Electronic ISSN: 1824-2049
• Publisher: Sissa Medialab
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: A05
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22323/2.22060205
• Keywords: science communication, scicomm, masters in science communication
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11487327
• Publisher URL: https://jcom.sissa.it/