Isn’t “science communication” too broad to be a single profession. Can you lump the dregs of science journalism in with the heights of science festivals?

What does professionalization mean? Paper qualifications? Codes of conduct? Registration?

From the J side of the fence – perhaps some might not see that as science communication – I have always seen what I do as a trade rather than a profession.

You don't need bits of paper to prove that you can do the job. Just the ability to ask (hopefully) awkward questions and write a few coherent sentences.

One thought, would “professionalization”, and the need for bits of paper, if that is what it means, restrict entry to the fun and games?

In the south west, if you are looking for media reptiles, I suggest talking to IoP Publishing, creator of many a fine magazine (Physics World etc.) and journals.

MK

Hello

We want to have a chat about professionalisation

Is now the time to develop science communication as a "profession"?

What benefits would this bring to the sci-com / PE communities?

What are the risks?

What would need to change in the sector?

Who would manage it?

For those of us who have been in this game for a while, you'll know that the question of professionalisation crops up periodically. Well, I'm raising it again! I'm running a small scoping project to explore professionalisation for this sector. While the focus of the project is in the South West of England, I wanted folk here to know so they can join in the conversation and I'm sure a few folk on PSCI-Com are based in this area.

Join in the conversation if you are a science communicator, someone who does public engagement, volunteers in this area, are a scientist who does communication/PE, employer of science communicators, trains PE peeps / science communicators...  or if you've been through a similar process in another sector. 

There are several ways to get involved aside from chatting here. Email me (on [log in to unmask]) to arrange a telephone conversation, make comments on our blog, or come to one of the workshops in March and April. 

http://scoppes.blogspot.co.uk

A bit of background and context: we're being funded by the National Forum (a group of key sci-com / PE funders https://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/work-with-us/current-projects/national-forum-public-engagement-stem) to explore this idea. They are looking for recommendations and ideas so this isn't an idle discussion - I'd like to think we've got a real opportunity to make the changes we want to happen, if we want to make any.

Looking forward to thinking this through with everyone - and do please spread the word.

Best wishes

Helen