Science Communication
“My role as research communicator sees me involved in some really cool research projects. I really, really love the cutting edge research I’ve been able to get involved in through my mahi. This exposure has fueled me to form long lasting relationships where Māori priorities are heard upfront, not as an afterthought or tokenistic addition.”
– Naomi Puketapu-Waite, Research Communicator, MetService
About this career
If you have a passion for science alongside communicating with people and helping them learn – a career as a science communicator could be the right choice for you!
Science communication is a growing career in today’s society. Many of the issues and challenges facing our world involve science – for example – health and wellbeing, climate change, weather events, food security, sustainability, biodiversity and the environment.
Science communicators work in a variety of fields – wherever there is a need for scientific knowledge to be communicated and explained to others – such as service outreach, policy, training, communications and content development
Science communicators help to raise awareness of science, science findings and scientifc concepts, through print media (like newsletters, magazines and newspapers), online, digital and social media platforms, and face to face through public talks and presentations.
They often use entertaining facts and stories to connect with their audiences and help to make learning about complex concepts easier, as well as doing practical demonstrations and visual presentations (videos, powerpoints, doco films).
Science educators may get involved alongside community activities, for example community citizen science projects such as pest-trapping, blue penguin protection, or iwi and hapū projects such as water protection, environmental research and restoration.
Science communicators can also be science experts communicating with other experts – for example in academic contexts such as in science journals.
Personal qualities you need
- Passion for people, learning and communication
- Energy, enthusiasm and curiosity
- Strong verbal and presentation skills
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds
Career Pathway
A strong interest in science and communicating how things work is essential! A science background helps – but not all science communicators have science qualifications.
They can can come from a variety of backgrounds including journalism, teaching, health backgrounds, environmental education, reserach and tertiary studies.
There are specific degrees available to train as a science communicator including bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. These can help to prepare you for a career in science journalism, environmental communication, public health, science policy, and scientific research publication management, and other areas.
Looking for internships and volunteer roles in relevant areas can also support your career plans, so that you get a better understanding of the areas you are interested in communicating about. For example volunteering in an eco-sanctuary or beach clean up.
Find Out More
Science Communication training and degrees
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/science-communication/
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/study-science-communication/
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/careers/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/communication/science-communication
https://www.otago.ac.nz/science-communication/index.html
Our Whānau Career Story
Naomi Puketapu-Waite, Research Communicator, MetService
Where do I work and what do I do?
I work for MetService, in the oceanography division known as MetOcean. My role as research communicator sees me involved in some really cool research projects. My role ranges from assisting with communications, project management and outreach. Some days I am learning about how ocean data gets from the sea into a forecast, and other days I am out on the sea collecting the data itself!
What was my career pathway to get here? (and what led me to this?)
My interest in the ocean started with holidays to Opunake beach (where I am now lucky enough to be living now!). The coast of Taranaki is magical, and I spent a lot of time pestering the creatures in the rock pools, and looking at the layers in the cliffs wondering what used to be.
I went to New Plymouth Girls High School, and then on to Massey University to study Geology and Geography. From there I came home and knew I wanted to be involved in science. I came home to Taranaki and asked everyone I knew, if they could help me find work in any science based workplaces that would give me a shot.
I was lucky enough to land an internship at MetOcean, who supported me to get a Masters in Science Communication. During my masters I worked briefly for the Science Media Centre in Wellington, working at the interface of research and media before coming home and returning to MetOcean.
What is my “why” for doing this job and making a difference for Māori
I really, really love the cutting edge research I’ve been able to get involved in through my mahi. And a big proponent of our work is that we ‘don’t do research for the sake of research’. In the main project I am involved in, the Moana Project, we have worked closely with Iwi partners to hear what their concerns and interests are in their rohe moana, and how we can tailor our research to answer some of those questions.
This exposure has fueled me to form long lasting relationships where Māori priorities are heard upfront, not as an afterthought or tokenistic addition.
