Comparison study on China-UK scientists´ engagement in public outreach activities

Nowadays, Scientists are supposed to have the obligation to inform public about what they are doing and what affect their research has to the society, and comparing with other professionals, scientists have incomparable advantages in pubic science communication activities. In China, scientists´ engagement in public outreach activities has attracted more and more attention of both government and science communities in recent years. But Chinese scientists´ engagement in outreach activities stays a lower participation rate comparing with western countries. At the meantime, UK universities and research institutes have abundant experience in promoting and supporting their scientists to get involved in public outreach activities. This paper conducted a comparison study between UK and China scientists´ outreach activities. Two typical groups of researchers were selected from each country. The analysis was covering four dimensions in scientists´ public outreach activities: the policy and regulation environment; the main forms and methods; the major content and range of audience; the incentives and evaluation of their efforts. From the comparison findings, the author intends to learn more about the status and local features of outreach activities in each country. At last, the paper will provide policy recommendations on how to promote more scientists to get involved in the public outreach activities, as well as how to improve the efficient and quality of outreach activities in China.