title: Scientists: Engage the Public!
abstract: Scientists must communicate about science with public audiences to promote an understanding of complex issues that we face in our technologically advanced society. Some scientists may be concerned about a social stigma or "Sagan effect" associated with participating in public communication. Recent research in the social sciences indicates that public communication by scientists is not a niche activity but is widely done and can be beneficial to a scientist's career. There are a variety of approaches that scientists can take to become active in science communication.
authors.affiliation: Communications and Strategic Marketing, American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Erika C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Shugart
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York USA vrr1@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Vincent R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Racaniello
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D012586:Science / Q000639:trends*