Public Relations and Science

Robert L. Heath

The term public relations is associated in popular culture with spin and deception, as well as pithy efforts of promotion and publicity. If so, and lots of survey and anecdotal evidence features that perception, why then would we believe it has a role in science communication? The answer forms the theme of this discussion of public relations for science. As an opening generalization, it is not easy to dismiss or dispel the perception of public relations previously mentioned, but public relations scholars can and do advocate for the view that public relations is a professional and academic discipline that works to help organizations plan, position themselves, achieve corporate social responsibility, build mutually beneficial relationships, and work toward a fully functioning society. Toward this end, public relations can advance the efforts of science to be accepted, seen as sound, and funded, as well as give voice to scientific discoveries and controversies. ...

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