Report: Helping researchers make the case for science

Research!America, the largest not-for-profit alliance of groups and individuals in the United States dedicated to public outreach about research, conducts a number of programs for researchers as part of its commitment to step up the frequency and effectiveness of communication about science to elected officials, the media, and the public. This report describes these programs, emphasizing how they help scientists promote an open dialogue with journalists about research and its benefits. Data from surveys commissioned by Research!America and Sigma Xi, an international scientific honorary society, are incorporated. Scientists' accountability and accessibility to the public whose interests they serve are also discussed, as are techniques for becoming effective advocates for increased funding in medical and health research.