29 August 2025
The 18th Biennial PCST Conference took place in Aberdeen, Scotland, from 27 to 29 May 2025, bringing together over 650 participants from more than 55 countries. Under the theme “Using Science Communication to Effect Positive Change: Exploring Transitions, Traditions and Tensions”, the event provided a dynamic forum for exchange among researchers, practitioners, journalists, and others.
Keynotes, workshops, panels, and interactive sessions highlighted urgent topics shaping the field: the ethical use of AI, climate change communication, trust and misinformation, citizen science, and equity, diversity and inclusion. The programme also featured immersive formats such as theatre and visual storytelling, reflecting the richness and diversity of science communication practices worldwide.
PCST 2025 emphasised dialogue over consensus, bringing together those that research science communication with those that practice science communication. The conference encourages participants to critically examine transformations in science communication, reflect on its traditions, and grapple with persistent tensions such as rigor versus accessibility. Alongside academic debate and demonstrations the social events including a Scottish ceilidh showcased the local culture and strengthened global connections.
Following the conference there will be three special journal issues, with the Journal of Science Communication and Cultures of Science each one focusing on one of the conference themes.
Content from the conference was covered by Nature India and The Lancet. The Keynote sessions from the conference are available to watch on YouTube.
Looking ahead, the PCST community will next gather in Shanghai in 2027 under the theme “Science Communication for a Shared Future: Engage, Empower, Enlighten.” Credit: Shanghai Jiaotong University
