Science or spin?
- India Jane Wise
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
Personal reflections on ethical scicomm
Finding a job as a science communicator isn’t always easy, so landing one with a steady paycheck and a research focus you’re passionate about can feel like hitting the jackpot. I remember the excitement I felt when I signed my contract at non-profit research institute VIB, a job where I get to explain cutting-edge science for a living. But in my enthusiasm to spread the word about all the cool research happening, I didn’t immediately stop to consider everything I wrote about and the impact it might have. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my job, but I’d like to highlight some pitfalls and share some tips for being an ethical corporate communicator.
Disclaimer: When I talk about “corporate science communication” here, I don’t necessarily mean working for a pharmaceutical giant or a marketing firm. I simply mean communicating on behalf of a large organization with its own strategic goals, rather than as a freelancer or independent voice. Even in a non-profit setting like mine, you’re part of an institution, and that brings both structure and pressure.
