Department of Life Sciences Communication launches renamed Science Communication PhD program
The Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences recently received approval from the UW Board of Regents to launch their PhD program in science communication. The program is the first of its kind in the country and offers students the opportunity to become leaders in the science of science communication. The first group of students will begin the program in fall 2025.
The Science Communication PhD program is the result of a separation and renaming of the PhD in Mass Communications that LSC historically administered with the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Over recent years, the identity and focus of the two units have diverged, and the joint program was split into two separate offerings, with LSC now administering the Science Communication PhD program.
The new name for LSC’s program more closely aligns with both faculty work and reputation as well as the unique identity of science communication as a field. As issues at the interface of science and society—climate change, genome editing, artificial intelligence—multiply rapidly, the importance of science communication is consistently increasing. Student demand for training in science communication is also rising, and graduates of the newly named program will more transparently meet expectations of employers looking for experts in the field.
“This program fills a growing demand for science communication researchers and practitioners in a variety of fields,” says Nan Li, associate professor and director of graduate studies in LSC. “We are excited to support the next generation of students throughout their graduate career and beyond.”
Because faculty and coursework are already in place to serve the program, graduate students enrolling in the Science Communication PhD program will hit the ground running with a flexible and customizable curriculum as well as funded research and teaching opportunities. Past graduates have built successful careers in academia, industry, government and nonprofit sectors. The newly named program firmly establishes UW–Madison as the leader in this emerging field and offers students entry into the concepts, research and practice of science communication.
“LSC is uniquely placed to offer a Science Communication PhD,” says Dominique Brossard, professor and chair of LSC. “Our phenomenal faculty are top experts in the field, constantly engaging in innovative research and teaching cutting edge content. The new cohort of Science Communication PhD students will continue to benefit from this incredible environment.”