“Looking at the big picture”: A qualitative study of ethics in science communication and engagement

Abstract

Ethical issues arise in many communication and engagement settings. Such issues can, however, fall into the gaps between what is seen as “research” and what is seen as “dissemination.” Semi-structured interviews (n = 17) and focus groups (n = 2) with researchers and science communication and public engagement specialists at U.K. academic institutions and in practice settings suggest that while normative principles for ethical science communication remain fluid, ethical questions are often an area of considerable reflection for those communicating, particularly when they reflect wider social issues and different people in the process: communities, researchers, and institutions.