Science communication: The evolving role of rural industry research and development corporations

Science communication between stakeholders in rural industry research has become a matter of concern for funding agencies. This has resulted in new initiatives to promote greater ownership of the research by all parties. This article considers some important characteristics of science communication in theory, and then goes on to assess what is happening in practice from the perspective of the rural industry research and development corporations (RDCs). Particular attention is given to the role of scientists, communication managers, and RDCs in the communication of research science.