In tough times, the science communication community needs to pull together
It’s a challenging time for science communication. Budgets have been cut, AI has crept in, and, as science communicator Tullio Rossi highlighted in a LinkedIn post this week, moves are afoot in the US to restrict how federally funded researchers communicate their findings.
Sadly, this year I’ve had many conversations with science communicators who are struggling to find work. Some have gone months without pay, while applying for contract after contract to no avail. The anxiety of financial insecurity, coupled with rounds of rejection, is devastating.
Faced with a brutal job market and an uncertain future, it’s time to consider what we, as the science communication community—from the freelancers and permanent job seekers to the organisations that hire them, and the academics who know the value of good scicomm—can do to make this period a bit easier.
For the research organisations
• Make science communication a core part of your project proposals and processes. Build it in from the start. Even a bit of budget is better than nothing. If you can’t afford a full-time science communicator, look into hiring a freelancer.
• Resist the urge to outsource your scicomm to AI. Hire a human: someone who’s proud of their craft, doesn’t make up facts, works from the heart and can connect your research with the audiences that matter.
• And please treat applicants with the respect they deserve. No ghost postings; no ghosting of those who put hours into their applications.
For the science communicators
• If you’re out there running a small business or freelancing, now is the time to diversify. Look at how you might repackage existing offers, and get creative about whom you consider potential clients. Keep marketing yourself. Consider other revenue streams, some of which might not be scicomm-related. Our skills are valuable.
• If you’re fortunate to have a full-time role, keep championing the value of science communication in your organisation and beyond. Contribute to growing the field.
• If you know a science communicator who’s looking for work: pass on those job openings that come across your desk, or make a referral.
I don’t have all the answers here. Have just been musing on this for a while.
And don’t forget to check in with your scicomm friends and colleagues, many of whom might be feeling anxious and overwhelmed: a quick chat can do wonders for lifting spirits.
Brendon Bosworth is a communications specialist and science communication trainer. He is the principal consultant at Human Element Communications.
