Communicating Chemistry in Informal Environments: A Framework for Chemists

Many chemists engage in outreach activities through their companies, colleges and universities, government laboratories, and ACS local sections. Sharing research findings, developing better-informed citizens and consumers, and inspiring future generations of chemists and chemical engineers are factors that motivate chemists to engage with the public. Yet most chemists receive little training in effectively communicating with the public. A recent report by the National Academies, Effective Chemistry Communication in Informal Environments, offers a framework to guide chemists in engaging with the public. This framework not only provides structure to communication activities, it is also intended to encourage chemists to engage with the public.