Writing for lay audiences: A challenge for scientists

Abstract

Writing for lay audiences, especially lay summaries, is needed to increase health and science literacy, but this kind of writing can be difficult for scientists. The article describes why it can be so difficult and gives some advice on how scientists can cope with the challenge and how institutions and organisations can help.

Keywords:

• Lay writing
• Lay audiences
• Lay summary

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joselita T. Salita

Joselita T. Salita completed her PhD (Biology) in Bremen, Germany. She worked for several institutions including Übersee-Museum (Bremen) where she learned to write information for lay audiences. Joyce joined EMWA in 2009. She is currently a freelance writer and provides institutions English language support through editing, writing, translating, and conducting training courses.