A longitudinal content analysis of the Public Communication of Science and Technology field

Overview

This project examines the evolution of public communication of science and technology (PCST) research through a longitudinal analysis of conference abstracts submitted to biennial PCST Network conferences held between 1989 and 2025. Combining manual and LLM-assisted coding, the study maps changing patterns in authorship, research themes, methodological approaches, and patterns of international collaboration across more than three decades. The project is interdisciplinary, drawing on science communication, media and communication studies, and computational social science research methods. By documenting how the field has developed over time, the research provides a unique account of PCST's intellectual and geographic evolution. The research conducted with support from VRes students will feature in a book, An organization for its time: The history of the Public Communication of Science and Technology Network. A proposal for this book is currently under review at Springer Nature and funding support for associated work will be sought from the Volkswagen Foundation and the Kavli Foundation.

Research engagement

The students (2) will contribute to a large-scale study examining the evolution of science communication research presented at Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network conferences between 1989 and 2025. They will engage in literature reviewing, the development and testing of a coding scheme, and the analysis of conference abstracts using both manual and AI-assisted methods. The project provides students with exposure to qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including thematic analysis, comparative analyses, and data visualisation. Students will have opportunities to contribute to research dissemination activities, including conference presentations, reports, and a scholarly book.

Research activities

The students will work primarily with Associate Professor Michelle Riedlinger on a day-to-day basis but collaborate with an international, interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in science communication, media studies, and computational social science. Day-to-day activities include preparing and managing research datasets, applying coding schemes to conference abstracts, contributing to coding discussions, and assisting with the interpretation of findings. Regular meetings between the students and Associate Professor Riedlinger provide opportunities for mentoring, feedback, and discussion of emerging results and methodological challenges. Associate Professor Marina Joubert is working on a similar project, coding and analysing abstracts from major international science communication journals (1979-2026). This will provide opportunities for developing and refining similar methodologies, as well as an opportunity for comparing and contrasting the results of the analyses. Given that we will be operating across  3 timezones (Australia, North America and Africa), the fortnightly team meetings of the larger group will necessarily need to be held out of regular working hours. VRES students' attendance at these team meetings is optional.

Research skills

Students will develop a broad range of transferable research skills. These include critical evaluation of academic literature, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, research data management, and the responsible use of AI-assisted research tools. The student will also strengthen their analytical reasoning, academic writing, and communication skills while gaining experience working within an interdisciplinary research environment. These skills are valuable for postgraduate study and careers in research, policy, communication, and data-informed professions.

Outcomes

The project aims to produce the first comprehensive longitudinal analysis of research presented at PCST Network conferences over more than three decades. By examining shifts in research topics, geographic participation, scholarly interests, and collaborative arrangements, the study will provide new insights into the professionalisation of science communication as an international field of research and practice. Expected outcomes include conference presentations, a research-informed book, and a publicly accessible overview of key trends shaping the field. The project will also advance methods for combining human and AI-assisted approaches to large-scale text analysis.

Skills and experience

Applicants should be in the third year of an undergraduate degree in media and communication, journalism, data science or a related discipline. An interest in science communication, digital methods, or the analysis of social and cultural trends is desirable. The ideal candidate will be organised, attentive to detail, and comfortable working with textual data. Prior experience with coding or AI tools is useful but not required; however, intellectual curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn new research methods are essential.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Digital Media Research Centre, QUT Creative Industries Precinct, Kelvin Grove

Additional information

Students will have desk space in QUT's Digital Media Research Centre on the Creative Industries Campus.

Keywords

• public engagement with science
• manual content analysis
• science communication
• AI-assisted content analysis

Contact

Michelle Riedlinger

0435716246

michelle.riedlinger@qut.edu.au