Motivations and Barriers to Communicating Software Engineering Research: Insights from Early Career Researchers

2026-07-27

AI Summary

This study addresses the persistent gap between motivation and practice in science communication among early-career software engineering researchers, a phenomenon whose underlying drivers and barriers have not been systematically examined. Focusing specifically on this understudied group, the research draws on semi-structured interviews with 18 doctoral students from diverse international backgrounds, analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings reveal that their science communication efforts are significantly constrained by multiple interrelated factors, including social anxiety, unclear audience perception, lack of feedback, and insufficient institutional support. Beyond highlighting these individual and contextual challenges, the study elucidates the broader cultural and structural impediments shaping communication practices. Building on these insights, the authors propose a targeted support framework designed to foster effective science communication among early-career researchers, offering both empirical evidence and theoretical guidance for developing supportive institutional practices.

Abstract

Science communication is increasingly becoming a part of modern research careers, involving researchers to disseminate knowledge, engage broader communities, and increase the societal impact of their work. Despite its growing importance, little is known about how early-career software engineering researchers perceive and navigate science communication in practice. In this paper, we investigate how PhD students in software engineering experience science communication. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 doctoral candidates from diverse international backgrounds. Using thematic analysis, we examine three interconnected dimensions: motivations, communication channels, and barriers. Our findings reveal a strong tension between aspiration and practice. Participants were highly motivated to engage in science communication due to opportunities for collaboration, professional recognition, broader impact, and advocacy for themselves and their research. However, translating these motivations into action was frequently constrained by social anxiety, uncertainty regarding appropriate audiences and communication venues, limited feedback mechanisms, insufficient institutional guidance, and challenges associated with navigating an increasingly fragmented communication landscape. Our findings highlight the need for tailored, balanced support systems that empower software engineering PhD students to engage in science communication effectively and confidently across diverse cultural and institutional environments. We outline practical implications that offer initial guidance for addressing these challenges in future work.

Problem

• science communication
• early-career researchers
• software engineering
• motivations
• barriers

Innovation

• science communication
• early-career researchers
• software engineering
• barriers
• motivations