Twitter as a research tool in science communication

Twitter's microblogging service, employed both as an information network and as a social network, is an object of emerging research with great potential to explore the dissemination of science, but in which there exists a certain theoretical disorder. First, this article presents a variety of relevant results in communication studies emphasising Twitter. Next, the focus is on the field of science communication. Hence, a variety of illustrative works are presented to provide an overview of the different purposes, approaches and methodologies employed, providing a conceptual framework for future work. In addition, as a result of this compilation, the main functions that Twitter plays as a tool for science communication are clarified. Depending on the agents involved and their apparent objectives, these are configured in a specific and even empirically observable way. A distinction is also considered between two research approaches; one focused on information scientific topics of public interest- and the other on dissemination agents - scientists, journalists and institutions. Some specific research lines for further study are also suggested.