The Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) at a glance

The Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by Sissa Medialab. JCOM mentions that it caters to “scholars coming from sociology of science, science and technology studies, media and communication, museum studies and other disciplinary perspectives.”

The goal? “To encourage interdisciplinary exchange in the study of today’s complex knowledge societies and the role of public and scientists in the development of new knowledge.” Ultimately, the journal provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights and practices that advance the understanding and effectiveness of science communication globally.

What JCOM publishes

The journal publishes a range of scholarship focused on advancing the study and practice of science communication. These include research articles presenting original empirical studies supported by theoretical frameworks and practical implications, as well as practice insights that critically reflect on case studies and evaluations of science communication initiatives.

The journal also features essays exploring current issues, policies, or trends in science communication, and review articles that provide comprehensive analyses of specific topics, often following systematic methodologies.

Additionally, JCOM publishes book reviews of recent scholarly or non-fiction works, conference reviews summarizing outcomes of relevant events, letters offering reflective responses to published content, and commentary sets that include multiple perspectives on shared topics. Each submission type is designed to address different dimensions of science communication research and practice.

JCOM is also host to various calls for papers with the most recent titled ‘Science in unexpected places: Practices and trends in informal science communication and engagement.’ Other calls for papers include ‘Communicating Discovery Science: Announcing a special JCOM issue and call for abstracts,’ ‘Connecting Science Communication Research and Practice: Challenges and Ways Forward,‘ and ‘Public (dis)trust in science in digital media environments.‘

By the metrics

In the communication category according to Journal Citation Reports, JCOM is ranked 64th out of 228 journals by Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and 81st out of 228 by Journal Citation Indicator (JCI). The journal’s 5-Year Impact Factor is 2.1, which represents the average number of citations to articles published over the past five years.

The big picture

JCOM is one of several journals that are publishing scholarly work related to public engagement and science communication. Other journals include Public Understanding of Science, which focuses on exploring how science is perceived and engaged with by the public.

Similarly, Science Communication examines the processes and impacts of communicating science across diverse contexts and audiences. With a focus on participatory science, Citizen Science: Theory and Practice is dedicated to documenting collaborations between scientists and the public. 

Frontiers in Communication includes a section on science and environmental communication, focusing on how science is communicated to the public, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and strategies for enhancing engagement efforts. This journal provides a platform for interdisciplinary research and practice-based insights, complementing the work published in JCOM.

Additionally, CBE—Life Sciences Education offers articles more on the education and outreach in the life sciences, while The Conversation allows scientists to write accessible articles – including those about public engagement and science communication – to connect their expertise to public discourse.

These publications and several others collectively support the dissemination of research, insights, and practices in public engagement and science communication.

Dig deeper: Explore our growing Civic Science Literature Map.

Learn more

For more information about JCOM, visit jcom.sissa.it.

Fanuel Muindi

Fanuel Muindi is a former neuroscientist turned civic science scholar-journalist and entrepreneur. He is a Professor of Practice in the College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University where he leads the Civic Science Media Lab. Dr. Muindi received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and PhD in Organismal Biology from Morehouse College and Stanford University respectively. He completed his postdoctoral training at MIT.