Communicating the significance of scientific research

With expenditures climbing to over $12 billion per year, research has been called the nation's fastest growing industry. In a technological society in which the major research expenditures are publicly supported, an obligation exists to utilize efficiently research investigations. Wide dissemination of research studies, with particular emphasis on their significance, is a prerequisite for early practical applications. Several techniques for interpreting the results of research are outlined and evaluated. In an appropriate environment, the research worker and a competent science writer are a highly effective team to interpret the significance of research in a stimulating manner. The circumstances under which such a technique is likely to be most effective are outlined. (Editor's Note: The author concludes with an outspoken challenge to IRE-PGEWS concerning its professional role that every PGEWS member should ponder.)