The Network for the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) has unveiled the laureates of its inaugural PCST Award competition, a prestigious recognition aimed at celebrating transformative contributions to the burgeoning discipline of science communication. This pioneering award spotlights individuals whose work transcends mere public engagement to reinforce the professional scaffolding of science communication worldwide. The winners were announced at the close of the PCST 2025 Conference, convened in Aberdeen, Scotland, at the P&J Live venue from May 27 to 29.
Taking the distinguished top honor is Professor Bruce Lewenstein of Cornell University, whose extensive career epitomizes dedicated scholarship and leadership in the realm of science communication research and education. His interdisciplinary approach intricately weaves research, pedagogy, and community-building, underscoring the vital role public communication plays in shaping societal understanding of science and technology. Lewenstein’s decades-long efforts have not only expanded academic boundaries but have also laid foundational infrastructure for the professionalization of science communication on a global scale.
In parallel, the award recognized two remarkable runners-up: Professor Susana Herrera-Lima from Mexico and Professor Toss Gascoigne from Australia. Both exemplify visionary leadership in advancing the science communication landscape in their respective regions and beyond, emphasizing the creation of institutional frameworks, training programs, and international collaborations that propel the discipline forward. Their endeavors underscore the critical role of regional initiatives melding into a cohesive global movement for science communication excellence.
The PCST Award itself is generously funded by the GIST Graduate School of AI Policy and Strategy, a South Korean institution at the forefront of interdisciplinary education where artificial intelligence intersects with societal governance. This sponsorship underlines the award’s commitment to supporting emergent fields that shape public understanding and policy of rapidly evolving scientific domains. The monetary recognition – $1,500 for the winner and $700 for each runner-up – serves both as an incentive and acknowledgment of sustained contributions to science communication’s professionalization.
Professor Lewenstein’s career trajectory offers an emblematic case study of the field’s evolution. Since 1987, his pedagogical and research initiatives at Cornell University have fostered the integration of communication theory, science policy, and social studies of science, collectively enhancing the epistemic foundations of science communication. His work navigates the complexities of disseminating scientific knowledge amidst growing public skepticism and institutional distrust, particularly relevant in an era marked by rampant misinformation and epistemic polarization.
Beyond his academic achievements, Lewenstein’s involvement in founding the PCST Network itself demonstrates his commitment to creating lasting professional networks that bridge geographical and disciplinary boundaries. These networks foster shared standards, ethical frameworks, and collaborative ventures that elevate the visibility, credibility, and impact of science communication practitioners globally. His recognition signals the importance of infrastructure-building as a pillar of professional growth alongside traditional research outputs.
Professor Susana Herrera-Lima’s contributions illuminate the particular challenges and opportunities endemic to Latin America’s science communication milieu. Her leadership in establishing Mexico’s pioneering Master’s degree in Science and Culture Communication at ITESO signifies a landmark institutional commitment to scrutinize and nurture the discipline within culturally and socio-politically diverse contexts. Her efforts extend pedagogically and organizationally through diploma programs and mentorship that cultivate a new generation of communicators equipped to engage with complex societal issues.
Herrera-Lima’s influence also permeates collaborative scientific communication platforms such as SOMEDICyT, RedPOP, and PCST, where her advocacy stresses regional synergies and international discourse integration. Notably, her foundational role in the editorial board of the Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) Latin America and the sustained success of Café Scientifique ITESO establish vital venues for scholarly exchange, public dialogue, and community engagement across Latin America.
Professor Toss Gascoigne’s international contributions are exemplified through his pivotal role in the creation of “Communicating Science: A Global Perspective,” a seminal text mapping the trajectory of science communication worldwide. This work distills seven years of meticulously gathered data and narratives across 39 countries, contributed by over a hundred authors, thus offering unprecedented empirical and theoretical coherence to the field’s global evolution. Its widespread download count attests to its resonance and practical value across academia and practice.
Gascoigne’s tenure as the inaugural President of PCST was marked by transformational leadership that democratized the network’s governance and amplified its global reach. His vision ensured that science communication transcended Western epistemological frameworks, embracing diverse cultural and institutional contexts. The award thus reflects not only individual achievement but also collective authorship and community-building that are intrinsic to science communication’s vitality.
Beyond these recipients, the 2025 shortlist highlights six additional outstanding figures, including Liliann Fischer and Susanne Hecker from Germany and Brooke Smith from the USA. These nominees underscore the expanding horizons of science communication scholarship and practice, each forging pathways to enhance visibility, methodological rigor, and societal relevance of the discipline in diverse contexts.
The PCST Award, established in 2024, strategically embraces a broad spectrum of contributions, ranging from policy influence and academic program development to network creation and research excellence. Its holistic criteria reflect an awareness that the science communication profession requires multifaceted development, including professional identity-building, infrastructural coherence, and public engagement efficacy. Emphasizing architects over mere spokespeople, the award recognizes those constructing the edifice upon which the future of science communication rests.
In the words of Dr. Alexandra Borissova Saleh, PCST Treasurer and Award Executive Secretary, the prize aims to highlight the often-unseen foundational work that sustains the field. The organized scientific committee overseeing the award process ensures rigorous peer evaluation and exemplifies the network’s commitment to transparency and high standards. The forthcoming award cycle, slated for announcement at the 2027 PCST Conference in Shanghai, invites a diverse pool of nominees, fostering inclusivity and continuing the momentum towards elevating the professional culture of science communication.
Finally, the support from the GIST Graduate School of AI Policy and Strategy resonates with the award’s forward-looking orientation. By aligning science communication with AI policy and governance education, the sponsorship reflects the interconnectedness of scientific domains and the increasing imperative for cross-disciplinary fluency in addressing global challenges. The PCST Award thus stands as a beacon welcoming and encouraging innovation, collaboration, and leadership in science communication worldwide.
Subject of Research: Contributions to the professional development and advancement of the field of science communication.
Article Title: Not specified in the original content.
News Publication Date: Not explicitly stated; inferred May 2025 (post-PCST 2025 Conference).
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Image Credits: PCST Network
Keywords: Science communication, scientific community, PCST Award, professional development, science communication networks, global science communication.
