This book is an accessible yet critical introduction to science communication viewed as the social conversation around science. It addresses why science communication matters, examines the evolution of theories and practices, and explains concepts, myths, misunderstandings and challenges.

Massimiano Bucchi has been the editor in chief of the leading journal in the field, Public Understanding of Science (2016-2019). He is Professor of Science and Technology in Society and Director of Master SCICOMM at the University of Trento, Italy and has been visiting professor in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. He is the author of several books, published in over twenty countries, and a frequent contributor to newspapers and broadcasting.

Brian Trench, formerly Head of the School of Communications at Dublin City University, Ireland, has been the President (2014-21) of the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) network. He is a former journalist and has presented on science communication at the international level. He has published widely on this and related topics and is currently Reviews Editor of the journal, Public Understanding of Science.

1. The social conversation around science 2. Science communication before there was "science communication" 3. Science communication policy and theory: Deficit as default 4. How science communication became a thing 5. The who and where of science communication 6. Understanding different viewpoints on science communication: More complex, more perplexing 7. Challenges and priorities for science communication