How to Get Started in Science Communication: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Tips to kickstart your science communication journey
There’s been two things that I’ve always loved: science and writing. Science because of how fascinating it is to discover things you probably didn’t even consider before because of the intellectual stimulation and its ever-changing nature.
And writing? Well, it all started when, as a teenager, I started experiencing depression episodes. I saw the characters in certain cartoons writing in their diaries, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Twenty-five years and countless notebooks filled with scribbles later, writing is not just my most important career skill; it’s my therapeutic outlet and something I look forward to doing every day.
The good news? Scientists need to write to succeed. A lot.
During my PhD years, I put all my hard-earned skills into practice to publish in peer-reviewed journals that only technical audiences would read. However, after transitioning out of my academic career, I started experimenting with what else I could accomplish with my writing. From grants to policy documents, the world was my arena.
Quitting My Academic Career Was the Toughest Decision of My Life
Understanding the painful realities of career transitionsthe-science-blogger.com
Eventually, my writing adventures took me to Medium. I soon realized that this was the best platform to combine my two passions, science and writing, while fulfilling my call in life: bridging science with non-technical audiences.
I started experimenting with tone and topics until I found myself making good side-hustle money writing on the side. How on Earth was I hitting $2,000 or even $3,000 in months?
Can You Make Money Writing Online? Here’s How I Did It!
I know it can look impossible at first, but with the right strategy, it’s possible and so much fun!medium.com
If you’re a scientist or someone with a good understanding of how science works, and you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of science communication, I have something for you.
Maybe you’ve seen colleagues posting on social media about their research, or perhaps you’ve read a captivating article that explained a complex topic in a way that even your aunt could understand. And now, you’re wondering: Can I do that, too?
Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can. And you should!
Communicating science isn’t just about making your or other scientists’ research accessible; it’s about connecting with people, sharing your passion, and, let’s be honest, boosting your career.
The best part? You don’t have to be the most experienced writer to start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write your first science communication article with ease so that you can decide whether science communication is something worth exploring either as a side hustle or as a career on its own.
1. Start with Your “Why”
Before you pick up a pen (or open a Word document), ask yourself: Why do I want to write a science communication article?
Is it to share your research with a broader audience? To advocate for a cause? To practice simplifying complex topics? Knowing your “why” will help you focus your article and connect with your audience.
For example, if you’re passionate about climate change, your “why” might be to explain how small policy changes can make a big difference. Or, if you or any of your students have made a cool discovery in your lab, maybe you want to showcase how it impacts everyday life.
See the article below for some reasons scientists and academics may want to give science communication a go.
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2. Pick a Topic You’re Excited About
This is probably the most important ingredient here. Write about something that excites you. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it shows in your writing.
That said, you should keep your audience in mind. You’re not writing for other scientists (this isn’t a journal article, and you don’t need to please reviewer #2). You’re writing for people who might not know what a polymerase chain reaction is, or why it’s important. Choose a topic that’s relevant, relatable, and timely. For example:
Why a recent discovery matters.
How a common misconception is wrong.
What can people do to solve a problem in their everyday lives?
Here’s an example of a story showcasing why a recent discovery matters.
Microbes Strike Back and Join Us in the Climate Battle
How microbes in glacial waters are quietly fighting climate changemedium.com
3. Know Your Audience
Speaking of your audience, who are they? Are you writing for parents curious about how climate change will affect their kids? Potential students interested in STEM careers? General readers who want to understand the science behind their morning coffee?
Knowing your audience will guide your tone, examples, and level of detail. Think of it like explaining your work to a friend.
You wouldn’t say, “The empirical data supports the null hypothesis.” You’d say, “The experiment showed we were on the right track.” Doesn’t it sound a lot more engaging and relatable?
4. Find Your Hook
Every good article starts with a hook that grabs your reader’s attention. It could be a surprising fact, a personal anecdote, or a question.
For example:
Did you know the Sahara Desert was once a lush, green paradise?
Imagine walking through a forest and seeing a tree older than the pyramids.
Your hook sets the tone for your article and invites readers to keep going. Remember when you are reading a story yourself. Are you staying if the first 2 to 3 paragraphs don’t interest you?
By the way, this applies to all articles, not just science communication!
5. Break It Down
Science can be complicated, but your article doesn’t have to be. Break down your topic into bite-sized chunks. Use simple language, analogies, and examples. With science communication, more isn’t always better. Find a sweet spot.
For example, let’s say you’re explaining CRISPR (the gene-editing tool). Instead of diving into molecular biology, you could say, “CRISPR is like a pair of scissors that lets scientists cut and paste DNA, kind of like editing a Word document.”
Using day-to-day examples helps readers feel more connected to the science they are reading. Plus, when they understand something, they are more likely to care and even tell others about it.
6. Add Some Personality
People want to hear your voice. Again, reviewer #2 doesn’t matter anymore here. Don’t be afraid to add humor, share personal experiences, or use conversational language. This isn’t a lab report; it’s a story. This is the one time you are welcome to share your passion in your work; seize it!
For example, instead of saying, “The data were inconclusive,” you might say, “Turns out, my experiment didn’t go as planned. Science can be messy, and that’s okay.”
Doesn’t that sound more human and approachable?
7. Keep It Short and Sweet
The average reader’s attention span is… well, short. On that note, thank you for sticking around if you’re still reading.
But back to the topic of this story, stick to one main idea per article and keep your sentences clear and concise. A good rule of thumb: Don't write if you wouldn’t say it in conversation. Once again, more isn’t necessarily better in science communication.
8. Get Feedback
While this is somehow optional, I recommend that you do this at least in the beginning of your science communication journey.
Before hitting “publish,” ask a non-scientist friend to read your article. If they understand and enjoy it, you’re on the right track.
Further, be open to hearing criticism; this is one of the most valuable pieces of information that you’ll hear in this journey. A friend can let you know what your blind spots are; you can either get resentful or learn from this and work on your weaker skills.
Mastering what could initially be considered a weakness is one of the most powerful changes you can implement in your career.
9. Choose Where to Publish
You’ve written your article — now what?
Well, there are plenty of places to share it. Here are some recommendations:
Medium: Great for building your writing portfolio.
Blog platforms: Perfect if you want to control your content.
Science-focused sites: Many accept guest contributions from new writers.
That said, I’d recommend that you stick with Medium until you find out what works best for you. Medium is a very friendly platform with an already built-in community eager to provide you with actionable feedback.
10. Take the Leap
Publishing your first science communication article might be scary; I’ve been there. You may fear that people won’t care or that your peers will judge you for writing non-technical pieces.
But here’s the truth: people are eager to learn more about science, and your peers will be in awe of your efforts, especially if you also talk about their research. At least, this has been my experience.
Besides, remember that everyone starts somewhere. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, you can check out my course, “Publish Your First Science Communication Article.” It’s designed specifically for scientists and science enthusiasts who need a little guidance in turning their knowledge into engaging content.
Ready to Start?
Science communication is a lot more than just explaining your research. It can help build bridges between science and society. Between technical reports and the right policy-maker.
Your voice matters, and your stories can make a difference. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing, and let’s make science accessible to everyone. Now, more than ever, the whole world needs to hear what science has to say, and you could be one of these important voices.
Your interest in science, your strong ambition, and your clear interaction in providing advice and scientific discussions play a major role in self-confidence and not feeling frustrated.