Role of scientists in science communication

The paper reviews the science coverage in the Indian media. Scientists and non-scientists are compared in role of communicators. It also reports the analysis of a survey of 72 persons, with and without science background, on whether scientists communicate for the public and whether they should. The 16 questions explored several other aspects of science coverage in the media and opinion emerged that the coverage is inadequate. A good fraction of the surveyed scientists have involved in science communication at some stage or the other. The near total consensus cutting across backgrounds sees an important role for scientists in science communication. It is suggested that apart from communicating themselves, scientists can assume several other roles, such as of knowledge bank, for promoting science coverage. More people with science background in the media may also help in enhancing authentic science coverage.