Science communication is an activity that crosses several disciplines. It requires a firm grasp of science and strong communication skills in order to pass this knowledge effectively to a range of audiences. The organisations involved in science communication in the UK are many and varied - a selection is listed below.
Aims to develop trust between scientists, members of the public and science policy-makers with the aim of helping UK scientists to undertake world-leading scientific research. The Science in Society Unit works on resources for schools, supports researchers, and organises a variety of events for the public.
The individual UK Research Councils also carry out science communication work within their respective fields. Follow the links below to find out more:
(AHRC)
Supports research in the arts and humanities, including subjects such as history, modern languages and English literature, the creative and performing arts.
(BBSRC)
The UK’s main funder of basic and strategic biological research.
(EPSRC)
Supports research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
(ESRC)
A research funding and training agency addressing economic and social concerns.
(MRC)
Supports research with the aim of maintaining and improving human health.
(NERC)
Provides funding for science in universities and its own research centres with the aim of increasing knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
Aims to ensure that more young people in the UK make a choice to enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related careers at all levels, and future generations are properly informed about the science and technology that surrounds them. It runs various activities in classrooms throughout the UK. It also links companies and other organisations that employ STEM educated people, and schools.
(STFC)
Formed on 1 April 2007 through a merger of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). The STFC is one of Europe's largest multidisciplinary research organisations supporting scientists and engineers worldwide.
Established in 1831, it aims to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. The British Science Association is a charity and runs the UK's National Science and Engineering Week in March and its Annual Festival of Science in September.
Our science programme supports scientific collaboration through the exchange of ideas and knowledge. It aims to build lasting relationships and networks between young scientists around the world; to make connections between science, technology and society; and to stimulate debate about the impact of science on people’s lives.
Acts as a catalyst for dialogue between scientists and society. The Trust aims to encourage the study, application and communication of science, technology and engineering. It runs a number of annual events, including the Oxfordshire Science Festival and the Oxfordshire Family Science programme.
Aims to support talent, innovation and creativity in the UK in order to improve the UK’s capacity for innovation. It does this by investing in promising early-stage companies, shaping innovation policy, and sharing best practice.
An independent body working to help the scientific community engage with the media and improve public access to accurate scientific media stories. The Centre holds media briefings, workshops and discussions, and offers support to both scientists and journalists.
An independent charity funding biomedical research to improve both human and animal health. The Trust has an endowment of approximately £13 billion and is the largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research in the UK.
The professional body for science teachers and works to improve science teaching. It was established in 1963 and today has around 15,000 members.
Exists to help those who write about science and technology and aims to improve the quality of science journalism in the UK. The association’s members include print and broadcast journalists, authors, scriptwriters and producers.
A not-for-profit organisation for all people involved in interactive or hands-on science communication activities. It offers opportunities for training, professional development, networking, sharing best practice and learning new ideas.
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres represents over 80 science centres, museums and discovery centres in the UK. Its purpose is to raise the profile of these centres; to establish their role as spaces for dialogue between science specialists and the public, and to act as an informal learning resource for learners of all ages.
Founded in 1993, the IFEJ is a network and international association for environmental journalists. Today the Federation has members, correspondents and member associations in more than 117 countries worldwide, working in every journalistic medium.
A science shop provides independent, participatory research support in response to concerns experienced by civil society.
Works to improve science media facilities, to have its members recognised on at least the same basis as the local media, and to maintain and improve standards of science writing worldwide.
An informal network working to connect people working in science communication. It provides a forum for its members to get together and share information and expertise.
A non-governmental international organization representing science journalists associations.
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