The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) recently received approval from the UW Board of Regents to launch its PhD program in science communication. This groundbreaking program is the first of its kind in the United States and offers students the chance to become leaders in the field. The inaugural cohort will begin in fall 2025.
The new program comes from a split of the previous PhD in Mass Communications, which was jointly administered by LSC and the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. In recent years, the two departments’ focuses have diverged, leading to separate offerings. Now, LSC will oversee the Science Communication PhD.
The name change better reflects LSC’s faculty expertise and the distinct identity of science communication as a field. As issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and genome editing become more prominent, the need for effective science communication grows. With rising student demand, the new program will better meet the needs of employers seeking 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.”
The program is set to provide a flexible, customizable curriculum. Students will also have access to funded research and teaching opportunities. Graduates of the program will be prepared for successful careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.
“LSC is uniquely placed to offer a Science Communication PhD,” says Dominique Brossard, professor and chair of LSC. “Our faculty are top experts, and students will benefit from engaging in innovative research and cutting-edge content.”
