The essential elements of effective science communication: What are they and what do the experts say?

Abstract

Experts in science communication were asked to identify the essential elements of a science communication course for post-graduate students. A Delphi methodology provided a framework for a research design that accessed their opinions and allowed them to contribute to, reflect on, and identify ten essential elements. There was a high level of agreement amongst these experts that the audience comes first and their statements signalled the importance of developing empathetic skills to engage an audience. Science communication courses should focus on the audience and how to access their needs, priorities and imagination. They signalled a need for dedicated science communication courses where students need to develop a broad understanding of the scientific and social issues rather than narrowly focusing on technical media skills development.