Handbook of Science Journalism

About the book

Science Journalism is gaining importance globally. If you are in this area or planning to enter this profession, then the Handbook of Science Journalism is the right choice for a brief introduction to science journalism and for theoretical and practical advice and guidance on its various aspects. The book familiarizes its readers about how to cover science in the popular press in the form of science news and other non-news formats. It is intended to be a useful companion to professional and wannabe science journalists/writers/editors, and students/teachers of science journalism or science communication. The handbook is also useful for Public Relations Officers, Documentation Officers, or Scientists in-Charge of press and publicity at S&T institutions.  

The book is available for purchase at Vigyan Prasar's website.

Science Communication as an Academic Discipline: An Indian Perspective

Scientific ignorance can be a potential obstacle in the journey of India becoming a developed nation and a knowledge economy. Such ignorance can also be the cause of various myths, superstitions and blind faiths which can further hinder the development agenda of any nation. Science Communication can potentially dissipate scientific ignorance in the society. Science Communication is a rapidly growing area of expertise both academically and professionally around the globe. It is getting established as an academic discipline with several universities/institutions around the world starting academic and research programmes. Science Communication is an effort to better understand how science and society interact and to popularise and commonise scientific knowledge, scientific temper, scientific method of enquiry and scientific culture among the masses. However, the trends in India are not very encouraging. This article discusses the emergence of science communication as an academic discipline, its global and Indian trends, and the need of science communication initiatives, training and capacity-building in India.

This paper is published in 25 December 2017 issue of Current Science. Read the full paper here

Current Science has given prominence to this paper by highlighting it as one (first) of the attractions in their "In This Issue" section and by mentioning it on the cover. Direct link for the "In This Issue".

Current Science Cover

Reports based on this paper in the popular press

Times of India, Pune Edition, 26 December 2017, Page 3 anchor

Dainik Jagran, Jammu, 04 January 2018