Rice University opens SCOPE science communication center with new courses and public program

The Center for Science Communication and Public Engagement will combine undergraduate teaching, online learning, professional training and public events, with Scott Solomon appointed as inaugural Director

Scott Solomon is the inaugural Director of SCOPE, Rice University's new Center for Science Communication and Public Engagement. Credit: Rice University

Rice University has opened the Center for Science Communication and Public Engagement, known as SCOPE, placing science communication teaching, researcher training and public engagement within a dedicated center in its Wiess School of Natural Sciences.

The center is being led by Scott Solomon, a Teaching Professor of Biosciences and science communicator, who has been appointed its inaugural Director. Its first semester will include a new undergraduate course, public events and further development of a science communication curriculum, while online and professional programs will extend some of its work beyond currently enrolled Rice students.

SCOPE’s remit stretches from helping researchers communicate their work to formal undergraduate study and training for people outside the university.

Students can take NSCI 220, Fundamentals of Science Communication, this fall, alongside three other science communication courses that Rice says are either already offered or planned. An undergraduate certificate in public science communication developed by SCOPE was approved by the university's Faculty Senate last spring.

Thomas Killian, Dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, says: “SCOPE will enable Rice to build a bridge between scientists and the public.”

“Through the new center, we’ll reinvigorate existing Rice events, like Science Café, while also providing new opportunities for faculty, students and the Houston community to come together and learn about the excitement and importance of science.”

SCOPE extends training beyond Rice undergraduates

The university is also preparing learning options for people outside its undergraduate population.

A three-part online science communication class is due to arrive on Coursera later this fall for people who are not currently enrolled at Rice. In 2027, SCOPE and Rice's Glasscock School for Continuing Studies are scheduled to run a short course for medical professionals seeking to improve their science communication skills.

Faculty and staff are another part of the center's remit. Rice says SCOPE will provide training and support for researchers sharing their work, alongside its student programs and opportunities for public engagement.

Solomon frames the need for that work around the distance that can exist between research and public understanding.

“It can sometimes feel like there is a disconnect between what happens in our labs and everyday life,” he says. “But in reality, science informs and impacts daily life now more than ever. With SCOPE, we hope to create a connection that allows the public deeper insight into our work and findings and why it matters for everyone.”

Writing separately on LinkedIn (https://www.edtechinnovationhub.com/news/tag/LinkedIn )about his appointment, Solomon said: “I am excited to collaborate with our incredible team, including the School of Natural Science's Dean's Office, the SCOPE Advisory Board, SCOPE Fellows, and SCOPE Affiliates to bring this vision to life!”

September events put public engagement into practice

SCOPE's first semester will also test the public-facing side of that remit.

A Science Communication Symposium will take place on Sept. 11 for Rice students, faculty and staff. The program is set to include panels, presentations and workshops on science communication, with science communicator and Adjunct Professor of Biosciences Kelly Weinersmith appearing as keynote speaker.

The following day, Sept. 12, SCOPE and R-STEM will hold a free Science Open House as part of the Houston Science Festival. The event will feature exhibits covering science and technology work from across the Rice campus and is open to members of the local community.

Three Science Cafés are also planned at off-campus locations during the fall 2026 semester.

For Solomon, the center now brings those public programs together with a more formal education offer. SCOPE's first undergraduate course begins this fall, its Coursera class is scheduled for later in the season, and the center's medical professional training is planned for 2027.