New column tries to close communication gap between scientists and journalists

In June, Nature Geoscience unveiled a new column aimed at reducing confusion and miscommunication between scientists and journalists. Columnist Axel Bojanowski, a geologist and science writer, aims to help scientists better understand journalists' goals and obligations and see science from the public's viewpoint, Julia Pyper of ClimateWire reports.

"Scientists and journalists usually have different objectives," Bojanowski told Pyper. "Scientists . . . want their results presented in detail and to know that the complexity of their findings is being given its due. Journalists, on the other hand, have to direct themselves towards the interests of the general public."

Heike Langenberg, editor of Nature Geoscience, told Pyper,"The climate debate has been polarized in the media, and climate skeptics have a strong counterposition. In a polarized environment, you need to communicate as clearly as you can, because often the subtle tones are lost in such a politicized debate." (Read more, subscription required) To read the editorial introduction of the column, click here.