The issue

Science doesn’t do a good job of communicating. Why does this matter? Because this lack of communication affects everything connected to science, from basic research and discovery to science education to public policy.

The solution

The basic solution is to simply improve communication. But how? We can start by giving scientists the tools and training they need to do better. And this is where you come in. With your support, we hope to write, publish, and distribute the first ever complete resource guide for effective science communication in the digital age. This book will give scientists and others who need experienced science communication guidance their first ever comprehensive how-to guide---explaining not just how to write more clearly, but also how to improve their research collaboration, public outreach, study enrollment, fundraising and more. This new and important resource will feature case studies, best practice guidance, a discussion of the challenges being faced, and evidence of the benefits that are being seen. Experts from across the country will be asked to weigh in on this book, and the finished product will be distributed free of charge both in digital and in hardcover format. People on our team have experience in publishing award-winning retail books so we’re well-positioned to produce a really high-end product. We’re hoping that over the years, this book will be updated and republished and will continue to be used in science both as a communication resource and as a catalyst for communication change. This book that you help fund will be an important, key step in building the case for change and in providing the tools to help this change happen. In addition to writing and publishing this book, we'll also be pursuing other avenues for change, like building networks with scientists and other science communication groups who are also working to improve science communication, and helping finance important science communication demonstration projects across the country.

While you're at it....

While this project is underway, we will also continue to work on expanding our membership base to help finance more books and other science communication projects. You can help here as well. Just go to the membership page on the nSCI website and you can sign up to become a sustaining member of this organization for $4.99/mo ($7.99/mo for families)!

About us

The mission of the National Science Communication Institute (nSCI) is to improve science communication. We're a Washington state based 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit corporation established in early 2011, and we've spent our first year putting together a strong board, looking at the science communication issue from all angles to see where the problems are, and putting together an action plan. You can read more about us online (as well as more about the current problems in science communication and nSCI’s approach to solving these problems) at www.nationalscience.org. 

Should Our Cup Runneth Over

If we’re one of those lucky projects that ends up raising more than we need, we reserve the right to use the extra funds as we see best fit---to help grow our member base, hire more subject area experts, fund more demonstration projects, print more copies of this book, etc.

Contribute today!

Thank you for your support!