At a national conference in London, Stempra, the network for PR professionals in science and technology, will call for greater collaboration between scientists and communications professionals
This follows the study which showed that scientists admit they believe they should engage more with the community but that they need more help in their attempts to discuss science with the public.
A recently published Royal Society report on the factors affecting science communication by scientists and engineers reveals that 45 per cent of scientists would like to spend more time engaging with the non-specialist public but many feel they are either too junior (22 per cent), simply do not have the time (36 per cent) or, critically do not have the training or experience (73 per cent).
They would welcome more training and greater involvement of their funding bodies, trained professionals and journalists.
"We all know that scientists and engineers are essential to 21st century economies and to solving global environmental issues and problems in the developing world", said Juliet Upton, Chair of Stempra.
"But no matter how good they are as scientists or engineers, they may not feel sufficiently confident in engaging with non-specialist audiences, such as young people.
"In fact, at least half of those surveyed did not feel very well equipped and would welcome more practical assistance.
"Stempra represents communications professionals across the science community and has been providing a best practice and information sharing network for over a decade.
"Our members would be delighted to work more consistently with scientists and engineers at an earlier stage in their research projects so that an effective communications plan can be mutually agreed and training provided".
The report also highlights that many scientists continue to believe that the main reason to communicate about their research is to ensure that the pubic is better informed about science and technology (34 per cent).
The least important reasons given were to contribute to ethical discussions about science and to recruit students".
"Scientists have made positive steps in reaching out of their academic and professional circles but we still have some way to go," said Juliet Upton, Stempra chair.
"Too many scientists still believe in one-way communication and haven't embraced a real dialogue about the social and ethical implications of their work.
"Scientists can also contribute positively to the problem of the decline in students taking up science-based qualifications and careers.
"Positive role models in science are surely one of the best ways to inspire young people to take an interest".
Discussions begin this week between Stempra, the Royal Society and others about how it might best support press officers and scientists to build a mutually successful professional relationship.
