Supporting science communication small business
When thinking about starting a science communication small business, many questions will swirl through your mind.
How do I know when it's time to take the leap?
How do I market myself?
How do I know which services to offer?
Should I even do this? Will it work?
Seven years ago, when I launched Human Element Communications, I faced those questions, and many more. They kept me up at night.
The questions don't go away. New ones arise. Sometimes at 2 in the morning! (Still keeping me up at night).
But the focus becomes clearer as you grow, try new things, and learn from your experiences as a science communication small business.
Sharing science communication small business experience
On 26 February 2026, I joined science communication specialists, Tullio Rossi (Director, Animate Your Science) and Jenni Metcalfe (Director, Econnect Communication) for a special PCST Network webinar: Running a successful small business in science communication.
We fielded questions from science communicators around the world, either already working independently or looking to make the leap and start an independent scicomm venture, small business, consultancy, or go freelance.
We shared our honest insights on what we've learned along the way with our respective scicomm businesses.
During the session, I was reminded of how important it is to come together as a community in this way. As science communicators, we can all learn from one another and grow together.
The PCST webinar built on a similar session I took part in at the PCST 2025 conference in Aberdeen last year (read about that here), and I look forward to taking part in similar sessions in future.
*The Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) network is an active and influential international academic and professional organisation in the field of science communication. As a member, I take part in talks and conferences to support science communication small businesses on the global stage. Learn more about the PCST
Brendon Bosworth is a communications specialist and science communication trainer. He is the principal consultant at Human Element Communications.
