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COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Science communication as a field of research: identifying trends, challenges and gaps by analysing research papers

May 3, 2017 | Media and Technology, Public Programs, Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks, Exhibitions, Informal/Formal Connections
Research in the field of science communication started emerging about 50 years ago and has since then matured as a field of academic enquiry. Early findings about research-active authors and countries reveal that scholarly activity in the field has traditionally been dominated by male authors from English-speaking countries in the West. The current study is a systematic, bibliographic analysis of a full sample of research papers that were published in the three most prominent journals in the field from 1979 to 2016. The findings reveal that early inequities remain prevalent, but also that there are indications that recent increases in research outputs and trends in authorship patterns ― for example the growth in female authorship ― are beginning to correct some of these imbalances. Furthermore, the current study verifies earlier indications that science communication research is becoming increasingly institutionalised and internationalised, as demonstrated by an upward trend in papers reflecting cross-institutional collaboration and the diversity of countries where authors are based.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Lars Guenther
    Author
    Stellenbosch University
  • Marina Joubert
    Author
    Stellenbosch University
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 16
    Number: 2
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Public Programs | Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks | Exhibitions | Informal/Formal Connections

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