Towards More Inclusive Science Communication: a Collective Reflection
At PCST 2025, Liesbeth de Bakker, Clare Boon, Karina Judd and Emma Gill gave linked presentations exploring issues of inclusion in science communication:
During the session, we invited participants to think about what it feels like to practise inclusion honestly; without shortcuts, without perfection and without pretending it’s easy. We gathered their contributions and responses – both verbal and written – and reflect on them here.
Inclusive science communication is rarely neat or comfortable. But participants acknowledged that if we are to do inclusion well, discomfort is an essential companion. Often this discomfort stems from colonialist and western frameworks of knowledge; disrupting our assumptions about what counts as knowledge is essential to building more inclusive practices.
Inclusion is slow and relational; a long-term commitment, not a quick intervention. Inclusive science communication cannot be rushed, particularly when working with marginalised communities. Building relationships means meeting people where they are, choosing language with intention and valuing our different experiences and expertises. One-off, superficial, tokenistic actions often reinforce exclusion, rather than reducing it.
We also need to think about where, and with whom, we can initiate change. Change begins with shifting mindsets, recognising nuance and committing to critical reflection; asking who benefits and whose voices are missing from our knowledge and our practice.
Not everyone embraces inclusion. Some participants wanted to think about how we can work with people who reject inclusion and inclusive values or organisations whose response is performative or tokenistic. For those choosing to engage, small steps, shared values and careful framing can create openings for dialogue. Ask rather than assume, listen rather than talk and move at the speed of trust.
The journey to inclusive science communication is neither linear nor easy. But it is a shared journey, undertaken by people who support one another, learn together and hold space to learn from failure and grow from our learning.
Dr Ann Grand is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Science Communication at UWA and Lead Research Fellow and Policy Analyst at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement in the UK. She's been a lecturer with the Open University and the University of the West of England (Bristol), and helps coordinate the Café Scientifique network.
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