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🧭 A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started in SciComm (in India)


Over the last 10 years — and especially since I transitioned into independent consulting — I've been approached by many young professionals, researchers, and students who ask:


“How do I get started in a career in science communication in India?”

While I do not have always have relevant opportunities or leads to share, I always try to share some advice and resources, in the hope that these might help folks starting out in the field in small ways!


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So here’s a compilation of advice, resources and reflections that I have curated over the years for sharing with younger colleagues!


Feel free to use this as a jumping-off point if you’re just starting out, add more advice & resources if you're an experienced SciComm professional, or simply share it with someone who might benefit from it!



🌈 First: What Even Is SciComm?



Science communication isn’t one static thing. It’s a growing, dynamic ecosystem that spans everything from:


  • Science writing, journalism & storytelling

  • Podcasts, videos, comics, exhibitions

  • Public engagement and citizen science

  • DEIA, accessibility, and inclusive science

  • Science policy and advocacy

  • Strategic communication and impact evaluation

  • Social media marketing and outreach

  • Informal science education efforts

  • And even designing courses, games, festivals or zines!

  • In short: SciComm is a big, busy bazaar of ideas and tools



So perhaps a good first step is to ask yourself:


What excites me about SciComm? What areas of SciComm am I most drawn to? What exactly do I want to communicate, and to whom?

You don’t need all the answers. But a litte bit of curiosity and clarity can help you immensely in focussing your search and shaping your skills!



💡 Getting Started: Some steps that help!



1. Play around before you pick a path: Start by dabbling in different formats—blogs, videos, podcasts, exhibits, tweets, zines—and see what clicks. You don’t need to know exactly what you want right away, but try to identify your strengths and interests early on.


2. Pick 2–3 core skills to build on: No matter your academic background, SciComm demands a mix of academic and personal skills: writing, design, facilitation, project management, digital media, evaluation, and more. You don’t need to master them all or even do a few all at once — but having 2–3 core strengths (e.g. writing + editing, or design + facilitation) will make you far more competitive.


3. Build a tiny-but-mighty portfolio: Even 2–3 well-crafted pieces — an article, an infographic, a workshop plan — can help. Think of your portfolio as your SciComm calling card: it's how others see your ideas in action. Try to also include the story behind each piece and what it taught you.


4. Turn your background into a superpower: Whether you come from engineering, biology, humanities, or social science, your unique perspectives and expertise are your strengths, and add richness to your SciComm voice. Learn how to honour it and translate it into your communication style!


5. Learn with the internet (it’s free!): There’s a wealth of free resources, courses, and communities online. A good place to start include:




🤝 Network Like a SciComm Pro (a.k.a. Show Up!)



Let’s be real: who you know often helps more than what you know in today's world. And a huge chunk of SciComm opportunities — especially in India —are often advertised through word-of-mouth, informal circles, or social media platforms. So:


  • Show up online: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp, Bluesky, ...

  • Attend webinars, workshops, events, open mics, science festivals, conferences, ...

  • Be curious, generous, and authentic in your approach — acknowledge other's help and share credit freely

  • Offer value to others in order to build resilient relationships and eventually a healthy ad symbiotic community of practice


Be visible. Be kind. Be curious. Opportunities tend to follow!



✨ Who & What to Follow (in India)



Here’s a list of organisations, platforms and communities in India that regularly offer opportunities, resources, or inspiration (if I missed something, please comment below and I'll add them here!):




🌿 Final Thoughts



SciComm isn’t just a job — it’s a way of thinking about the world in creative, critical and conscious ways. And everyone's path into SciComm looks different — some are accidental, some are deliberate, and some are just rollercoasters! And it's okay to be overwhelmed, to try something and hate it, and to keep changing your direction till you figure it all out!


What matters most is that you keep showing up, constantly learn and reflect on your journey, and keep asking:


How can I make science more meaningful for the world around me?

If you're building or dreaming of a career that sits at the intersection of science & society, thank you in advance, and we need you in this space absolutely!



💬 Need More Support or Guidance?



If you’re still unsure how to begin, or to keep going on — or if you're looking for deeper guidance — I also offer one-on-one mentorship sessions as an Independent Consultant. These are customised to your journey and goals, and include more personalised feedback, problem solving sessions, and reflective exercises.


Please feel free to drop me a message if you'd like to explore this further!


Sending all my best wishes for all your #SciComm endeavours!



Yours faithfully,


Siddharth Kankaria


Independent Consultant — Science, Society & Justice


 
 
 

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