The inspirations of the historiography of science for science communication in Chinese museums: An examination based on research and practice

As important public venues for the communication of scientific culture, science and technology museums are increasingly valued for their role in enhancing the public's scientific literacy. In recent years, research on the science-communication (popularization) function of science and technology museums in China has broadened in scope, and the history of science, as an important academic resource for promoting science, has gained growing recognition. However, from a historiographical perspective, only a few scholars have engaged in research on the application of the history of science in science and technology museums. Research on this subject remains in an infant stage and fails to fully capture the underpinning role of the history of science in science education and communication. In particular, as a theoretical resource, the significance and value of views on the history of science in guiding science communication has been largely neglected. This paper discusses the current situation and associated problems at both the research and practical levels of museums, explores the importance and necessity of science communication in museums in the context of science historiography, and provides some insights for science communication in museums.