Perspectives of Science Communication Training Held by Lecturers of Biotechnology and Science Communication

Abstract

Science communication training for undergraduate science students has been recommended to improve future scientists' ability to constructively engage with the public. This study examined biotechnology lecturers' and science communication lecturers' views of science communication training and its possible inclusion in a biotechnology degree course at an Australian university. The results indicate that biotechnology courses that have yet to integrate this training into their curriculum may require significant support for its delivery. In particular, lecturers will need to reprioritise science communication, suitable teaching materials will need to be developed, and space will need to be found in a curriculum that is already perceived to be overcrowded.