The Communication Function of Universities: Is There a Place for Science Communication?

Abstract This article offers a view on the emerging practice of managing external relations modern university, and role science communication in this. With representative sample research universities four countries, we seek to broaden our understanding (SC) function its niche within university. We distinguish from corporate functions examine how they distribute across organisational levels. find that can be represented along spectrum (de)centralisation: public marketing activities are more likely carried out at central level (central offices), affairs SC decentral levels (e.g. specific offices and/or institutes, departments). study shows little attention is paid structures, suggesting it not aligns easily with university communication, yet might increasingly locations activity.