Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology

9780415386173

0415386179

Communicating science and technology has become a priority of many research and policy institutions, a concern of many other private and public bodies and an established subject of training and education. In the past few decades, the field has developed and expanded significantly, not only in terms of professional practice, but also in terms of research and reflection. Comprehensive yet accessible, this key book provides an up-to-date and 'state of the art' overview of this fast growing and increasingly important area, from both research and practical perspectives. As well as introducing the main issues, arenas and professional perspectives involved, it presents the findings of earlier research and the conclusions previously drawn. This unique volume couples an overview of the practical problems faced by practitioners with a thorough review of relevant literature and research. The practical handbook format ensures it is a student-friendly resource, but its breadth of scope and expert contributors means it is also ideal for practitioners and professionals working in the field. Combining the contributions of different disciplines and the perspectives of different geographical and cultural contexts, this original text provides an interdisciplinary as well as a global approach to public communication of science and technology. Contributors include mass communication scholars, sociologists, discourse analysts, public relations practitioners, science journalists, and more. It is an exceptionally valuable resource for students, practitioners and professionals in the fields of Media and Journalism, Sociology, History of Science and Science and Technology.