Science communication is gaining essentiality and is becoming popular among researchers and practitioners of science and technology, as there has been an increasing understanding that S&T being developed in laboratories has to be made available and appreciable to the masses at large. The importance of engaging them with science is being duly appreciated now among the community of scientists and researchers. In case, one seriously attempts achieving this very objective, he or she confronts with mainly three issues, as being discussed here.

Science communication is the flow of scientific information and scientific concepts from their source to the user via a medium. The source, medium and user could be different at different occasions. Therefore, science communication could be divided into two broad categories : i) technical science communication or research communication; and ii) popular science communication or science popularisation. While talking of science communication here, our efforts are mainly focused on popular science communication or science popularisation. A large amount of research and developments are taking place in laboratories. That apart, there exists a rich heritage of traditional scientific knowledge the world over. Communicating this vast pool of knowledge and wisdom to the public at large is equally important.

Most of scientists write research papers and deliver technical lectures on the subjects they have studied and carried out research. These research communications are meant for highly technical and specialised groups or individuals. On the other hand, general public does not understand these technically composed texts or concepts. Generally, it is not expected from a scientist to come down to the level of a lay person. Barring a few exceptions, they normally find it not to be their cup of tea. Similarly, a common man usually is unable to reach to the level of a scientist. Therefore, the first challenge - converting technical communication into a popular communication. It requires specific skills- aptitude, training, and practice in specific areas of science communication.

Why science communication? The belief that most of the problems faced by the mankind could be overcome by using science and technology, is rendered truthless if rationality does not have the say which it should. The decisions affecting masses have to be logical, informed and scientific. Scientific attitude or scientific temper is the tool that empowers with these attributes. Knowledge is power, so is its right use. Scientific knowledge and scientific temper - the right combination is the key. Therefore, the second challenge is to devise science communication programmes and having both the elements therein.

Science communication has distinctly emerged as an area of scientific knowledge and expertise. An interdisciplinary field of science and communication, it also requires input of management and humanities. It unfortunately, has not yet been well defined, not only in India but also in entire developing and developed world. Therefore, the third challenge emerges as to defining, developing, restructuring the area of science communication as one of the disciplines of science and technology and revamping the whole concept. In order to achieve this objective, we need to have a sound academic and research base in this discipline.

Challenges are many more and need to be tackled at priority, but those discussed above are capable of providing a fundamental and desirable shift to the research, teaching and practice of science communication.