Links and Resources – Science Communication

by Amanda Rioux

One thing all of the scientists at UMass Dartmouth agree on is that scientific information needs to be more accessible. Much of the distrust the public has of science stems from the distance inaccessible scientific jargon creates.

In order to help rebuild trust, it is important that scientists and science communicators learn how to use plain language to make information more widely accessible to a general audience.

Plain language is already a requirement in making government information more clear and easy for the general public to understand.

Image shows a complicated squiggly line connecting A to B. Beneath it is a hand drawing a straight line from A to B — This simple metaphor demonstrates how plain language works: make the avenues of communication clearer and less complicated, getting directly to the point.

If this same approach were put towards communicating scientific information, scientists would be able to engage in open dialogue with a public that feels more confident that they understand the conversation taking place.

Below is a list of resources concerning the role plain language can play in making scientific information more direct and accessible to all.

Articles:

Making Science More Accessible

Scientists Need Plain Language

Books:

Worlds Apart: How The Distance Between Science and Journalism Threatens America’s Future

Organizations and other resources:

Merk Manuals