Scientists, especially those receiving public funding, have an obligation to be able to clearly communicate the process of science and results of their scientific research. Scientists should be able to explain how science is done, what results they have achieved, the implications of their work, and how the results of scientific investigation differ from opinion, conjecture, or anecdotal evidence. Open communication about what we do as scientists is important to maintaining and developing public support of scientific endeavors. It can also play a role in helping to shape science policy and in helping to maintain funding for science.
Below we present information compiled by the ASCB Science Communication, Outreach, and Public Engagement (SCOPE) Committee to help scientists communicate their work to non-scientists under a wide variety of situations.