Science Communication: Communicating Science and Technology—Policies and Practices

We live in a world where science and technology (S&T) are ingrained in every aspect of our daily lives. Consequently, people are increasingly required to integrate information from science with their values and other considerations as they make critical decisions based on that information, such as decisions regarding vaccination, food safety, climate change, etc. However, effective communication of science and technology (S&T) requires skills that are often lacking, leading to incomplete and ineffective science communication (SciComm) efforts that hinder the understanding of scientific knowledge. SciComm is crucial for accelerating scientific temper and bridging the gap between science and society. Undoubtedly SciComm can empower science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystems to address global challenges. As a result, globally it improves relationships by improving the relationships with stakeholders within the STI ecosystem. With SciComm, public interests can be placed at the centre of how knowledge is generated, shared and applied, thus maximising the benefits of science and technology while mitigating its limitations. When it comes to raising awareness about issues such as climate change, vaccination, etc., scientists are increasingly expected to engage with the public, although the majority of them often feel underprepared for such activities and report a lack of adequate training and clear and consistent policy/guidelines. SciComm needs to be more focused on policies and practices to continue to evolve. This chapter looks at the institutional practices of communicating S&T in the context of training and policy. It is well-known that SciComm continues to grow, develop and change as a practice and field of research. SciComm practices have been transformed by digitalisation. In this chapter, there is an additional focus on communicating S&T in a changing landscape. This chapter not only delves into the institutional practices but also explores the efforts, motivations, challenges and resources available for SciComm. It provides a glimpse into contemporary SciComm and its participants. It also covers India’s sociohistorical context, Including scientific institutions, government policies, and initiatives, and sheds light on how this field is evolving.