Striving for excellence and openness in science communication and public engagement

In the world of science communication and public engagement there lacks a single code of conduct, or ethics guidelines for professionals working within this sphere. As science communication (or communication of any research) contains a mix of academic research, journalism, communications and sometimes media, it is difficult to know which ethical guidance science communication should most align to. Public engagement with research also struggles in this sphere; with elements of social science, other areas of research and market research, it also falls into a strange 'grey' area of ethical conduct.

As a science communicator, to date, I have been guided mostly through institutional values and my moral compass (which I like to think points very directly north?) in my methods and approach to working values. As my career has developed, I believe that these have only developed into stronger ideologies, allowing me to courageously continue with my ethical approach.