How to Plan a Science Communication Career in India: Is a PhD Necessary?
Science communication is no longer a fringe career in India—it’s evolving into a vibrant, impactful, and essential field. With increasing need to bridge the gap between science and society, more young researchers and professionals are eyeing science communication (SciComm) as a full-time profession. But how should one plan this career in India? Is a PhD mandatory to get started? Let’s find out through the lived experiences of science communicators featured in Biopatrika’s Career Konnect series.
Do You Need a PhD to Be a Science Communicator?
Short answer: No, but it helps depending on the role.
While a PhD equips individuals with a deeper understanding of scientific processes, it is not a strict requirement for all SciComm roles. For instance:
- Siddharth Kankaria chose not to pursue a PhD and instead focused on gaining hands-on experience in science communication. With a background in biology and a Master’s in Science Communication and Public Engagement from the University of Edinburgh, he built a career through internships, collaborations, and networking. Today, he works as an Independent Consultant and is a strong advocate for evidence-based science engagement.
- On the other hand, Dr. Nishtha Bhargava and Dr. Aditya Undru leveraged their PhD training to transition into SciComm. For them, the academic rigor and research exposure helped shape their communication approach, especially while engaging with scientific stakeholders and the media.
So, a PhD can be a strong asset—especially for roles that require technical writing, research-based communication, or liaison with scientific institutions—but it is not mandatory for starting a career in science communication.
If you are interested in reading scicomm job interviews, check here: https://biopatrika.com/career/career-konnect/job-profiles/science-communicator/
Steps to Plan a SciComm Career in India
1. Understand Your Motivation
Ask yourself: Why do you want to pursue SciComm? Is it to inspire young minds, write popular science articles, influence policy, or work in media?
2. Gain Relevant Skills
You need to be good at storytelling, writing, visual design, public speaking, or digital content creation. These skills can be built through:
- Online courses (edX, Coursera, IISER Pune’s SciComm programs)
- Internships with science organizations
- Volunteering with SciComm communities like IndiaBioscience, or Biopatrika
3. Build a Portfolio
Start a blog, write on LinkedIn, contribute to platforms like Research Matters or IndSciComm, and showcase your work. As Aditya Undru shared, even hosting Zine workshops helped him connect with diverse audiences and create a creative niche.
4. Pursue Formal Training (Optional)
You may pursue:
- Masters degree in Science Communication (e.g., Europe, USA)
- Certificate programs in science journalism (e.g. https://iscos.org/tcsj.php, https://www.iscos.org/)
- Fellowships and workshops like India Science Festival’s SCW, or British Council programs
5. Network and Collaborate
Join SciComm communities, attend public engagement events, or collaborate with researchers and illustrators. As Siddharth Kankaria emphasized, interdisciplinary collaboration is key to impactful science communication.
6. Explore Job Opportunities
Look for roles in:
- Research institutes (communications officer, outreach coordinator)
- NGOs and science education nonprofits
- Science publishing, journalism, and media outlets
- Government science outreach projects (Vigyan Prasar, DBT)
Final Thoughts: A Path for Passionate Communicators
Science communication is a career built on passion, purpose, and public engagement. Whether you hold a PhD or not, what matters most is your ability to communicate science clearly, creatively, and responsibly.
As seen from the journeys of Siddharth Kankaria, Dr. Nishtha Bhargava, and Dr. Aditya Undru—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Their experiences reflect a growing recognition of SciComm as a meaningful career in India.
Ready to explore more such stories? Visit the Career Konnect section on Biopatrika and get inspired to chart your own science communication journey.
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Weekly Digest: Internships, Fellowships & Grants https://biopatrika.com/career/jobs-internships/weekly-digest-internships-fellowships-grants/
🚀 Ready to level up your research career? Explore & apply now!
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💡 Need help with CVs, SOPs, or networking? Reach out at scikonnect@gmail.com – we’ve got you covered.
🔗 About Career Konnect
Career Konnect by Biopatrika is your go-to platform for discovering diverse career pathways in science. From academia to industry, science communication to patent law, we bring inspiring stories, expert interviews, job updates, and practical resources to help students, researchers, and professionals navigate their career journeys with clarity and confidence.
Empowering the next generation of scientists—one career story at a time.
Link: https://biopatrika.com/category/career/career-konnect/
