Science communication and engagement is both a set of practices and an ever-richer theoretical field. 

As one of the oldest science communication academic departments in the world, CPAS has a deep and abiding interest in both the theory and practice of science communication, and in linkages and contradictions between the two.

All research projects conducted in the department have elements of these, but projects in this research theme are those that, at their core, scrutinise or test specific elements of science communication theory and its relationship to practice, or that provide baseline studies of science communication practice in particular places or times. 

This research theme focuses on the fundamentals of science communication and engagement theory and practice in a range of settings from informal science learning and science centres to creative approaches to experimental methods of public engagement with science, and from fundamental theories of what is science communication and who its publics are to the intersection of science communication with ethics and justice.  

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Some areas of research interest include, but are not limited to:

• How do we understand (through theory and practice) the nature and function of science communication today?
• Who are the publics for science and technology, where can they be found, and how are they (re)made for different scientific issues?
• How can we broaden participation in science and foster inclusion in science communication?
• How can different disciplines and knowledge systems be brought together to support transdisciplinary science?
• How can informal learning through science shows, hands-on workshops and cultural engagement spark emotion, motivation and meaningful understanding of social and environmental issues across diverse global communities?
• What are the ethical implications of communicating science? 

All individuals in CPAS work under this theme. Please see our full list of Academics here.