Science Communication Research: an Empirical Field Analysis

This study provides both an empirical analysis of strengths and weaknesses of research in the field of Science Communication, and a reflection on its future needs and perspectives. 
This study of Science Communication Research (SCR) triangulates a bibliometric and content analysis of approx. 3,000 journal papers with a multi-stage panel study and a review of grey literature spanning four decades. Quantitative findings from the journal analysis (e.g. about disciplinary contexts or topics, research methods, data analysis techniques used) were considered by a panel of 36 science communication researchers in a multi-stage series of qualitative interviews. These experts represent the international and disciplinary diversity of the research field, including past and present editors of the most relevant journals of science communication, and the majority of the most often cited science communication scholars.
Previous approaches to systematically investigate the research field, include the editorial process of collecting 79 Major Works on the public communication of science, and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences report on “Communicating Science Effectively”.