Science Communication: A basic skill that needs to be developed in undergraduate and graduate programs

Abstract

Communication skills are one of the most widely recognized learning outcomes for numerous programs in higher education. However, proper training in science communication skills are consistently falling short of requirements. This highlights the need to examine the curriculum as a whole as opposed to a course level view. In this piece, I present arguments expressing the need for proper incorporation of formal communication training in undergraduate and graduate programs to enhance the quality of discourse between scientists and the lay public. Specifically, this opinion piece briefly describes the current state of SciComm training and the lack of core skills in existing courses, the essence of science communication and teaching, and its impact in the workplace.