• Supports the teaching and learning of contemporary science communication through core readings by drawing on current research in the field, and facilitating a research--teaching synergy.
• All chapters are newly commissioned to provide an up-to-date perspective on issues facing science communication researchers.
• Each chapter includes a section of 'further reading' and 'useful websites' to encourage students to engage with further sources beyond the core readings.
• Explores various practices of science communication to address many of the issues facing contemporary practitioners of science communication in an engaging and theoretically informed way.
• Features both international and cross-cultural examples.
• Chapters take a critical stance on the study of contemporary issues in science communication, providing readers with an engaging account of these important contemporary issues.

Readership: Intermediate and advanced undergraduates and Masters students taking a science communication course. Also of interest to professional scientists - teachers and researchers - who wish to know more about this subject.

Edited by Richard Holliman, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication, Open University, Jeff Thomas, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, Open University, Sam Smidt, Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics and Astronomy and Programme Director of MSc in Science, Open University, Eileen Scanlon, Professor of Educational Technology and co-Director of the Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology, Open University, and Elizabeth Whitelegg, Senior Lecturer in Science Education, Open University

"Definitely worth reading to learn about the philosophy and models that lie behind science communication." - The Higher Education Academy Physical Sciences Centre

"A valuable and much-needed resource." - Professor David Gooding, Science Studies Centre, University of Bath

"Presents a wide-ranging analysis of the nature and importance of communication for maintaining the community of scientists as a community in its own right, and as a community intinmately connected with society as a whole... For me, the two chapters that deal with the importance of books, alone, make this a must-have volume for those interested in science communication today." - Steven Miller, Professor of Science Communication and Planetary Science, University College London

"Provides a rich set of contributions on how digital technologies are helping to transform our understanding of science communication. It is packed with insightful analyses - all in all, a most stimulating read." - Michael Reiss, professor of Science Education and the Institute of Education, University of London

Section 1 - Communicating post-academic science
1.1: Jane Gregory: Scientists communicating
1.2: Robert Doubleday: Ethical codes and scientific norms: the role of communicating in maintaining the social contract for science
1.3: Charlotte Schulze: Patents and the dissemination of scientific knowledge
Section 2 - Developing trends in scientists' communicating
2.1: Joachim Schummer: Science communication across disciplines
2.2: Matthew Chalmers: Communicating physics in the information age
Section 3 - Accessing contemporary science
3.1: Scott L. Montgomery: Science and the online world: realities and issues for discussion for discussion
3.2: Richard Gartner: From print to online: developments in access to scientific information
Section 4 - Consensus and controversy
4.1: Elizabeth Wager: Peer review in science journals: past, present and future
4.2: Jeff Thomas: Controversy and consensus
Section 5 - Popularizing science
5.1: Bruce Lewenstein: Where do books fit in the information age?
5.2: Jon Turney: Science communication in fiction
5.3: Martin Redfern: Speaking to the world: Radio and other audio
Section 6 - Practising public engagement
6.1: Stuart Monro: The development of Our Dynamic Earth
6.2: Ann Grand: Engaging through dialogue: international experiences of Café Scientifique