By David J. Bennett & Richard C. Jennings (Eds.) | Cambridge University Press
In an age where scientific literacy has become not just an asset but a necessity, Successful Science Communication: Telling It Like It Is arrives as a vital, multifaceted guide for anyone engaged in or intrigued by the complex interface between science and society. Edited by David J. Bennett and Richard C. Jennings, and featuring a foreword by Sir Walter Bodmer, this collection assembles leading voices from academia, media, industry, and public institutions to dissect the art, practice, and imperative of communicating science clearly, ethically, and impactfully.
A Book Born of Urgency and Opportunity
Published by Cambridge University Press, this volume reflects on the 25 years since the influential Bodmer Report first catalyzed the Public Understanding of Science movement in the UK. The editors respond to the ever-evolving landscape of science communication, acknowledging that while scientists have made strides in engaging the public, significant challenges and opportunities remain.
From podcasts to public festivals, from policy to patient advocacy, the book offers 27 chapters grouped into four broad sections: foundational concepts; media and policy engagement; practical methods; and finally, evaluation and institutional embedding. The contributors—figures such as Chris Mooney, Tracey Brown, Andrew C. Revkin, and Nicola Buckley—bring case studies and critical reflections that are as inspiring as they are instructive.
Content That Speaks Across Boundaries
What sets this book apart is the sheer breadth and depth of its approach. Chapter highlights include:
- “Deficits and dialogues: science communication and the public understanding of science in the UK” by Simon J. Lock, which critically re-evaluates traditional models of communication in light of public engagement principles.
- “The social web in science communication” by Hayley Birch, an insightful and practical look into how platforms like blogs and social networks are reshaping public engagement.
- “The power of the podcast: the Naked Scientists’ story” by Chris Smith, which charts the rise of a podcast that made science entertaining and accessible without dumbing it down.
- “Dealing with dilemmas and societal expectations: a company’s response” by Novo Nordisk’s Lise Kingo and Susanne Stormer, reflecting on corporate responsibility in science messaging.
This diversity allows the book to cater not just to working scientists, but to policymakers, educators, students, and media professionals who all play a role in shaping how science is perceived and understood.
A European Lens, A Global Relevance
While many of the case studies are UK- or EU-based, their implications are global. Michel Claessens’ chapter, “Research and public communication in EU policy and practice,” connects institutional policymaking with grassroots communication efforts. Likewise, The Open Research Laboratory at the Deutsches Museum offers a uniquely German approach to public participation in science, illustrating that engagement is as much about local culture as it is about universal best practices .
The Verdict from Reviewers
Successful Science Communication has earned recognition from academics and practitioners alike. Dr. Jennifer Rohn, writing for Nature, praised the book for “[providing] both historical context and a practical roadmap,” noting that “its strength lies in its rich array of voices and hands-on experience.”
Dr. Alice Bell, a science communication researcher, wrote on her personal blog that the book is “a useful resource not just for those new to the field, but also for seasoned practitioners looking to reflect on their practice.”
Times Higher Education also commended the book for its “refreshingly honest tone,” adding that it “manages to steer away from both jargon and naïve optimism.”
(Sources: Nature [Rohn, 2011]; Alice Bell’s blog; Times Higher Education, 2011)
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read This Book
The strength of Successful Science Communication lies not in preaching best practices, but in opening up the messy, fascinating, and often challenging world of science communication to critical but constructive scrutiny. Whether you are giving your first public talk, planning a communication strategy for your lab, or advising a policymaker, this book will prove an indispensable companion.
Above all, it drives home a message that is both simple and profound: science communication is not a luxury—it is a responsibility. And doing it well is not about glossing over uncertainty or controversy, but rather, as the title boldly puts it, telling it like it is.