The Office of Communications at the Institute of Biosciences and Technology helps the public learn about research taking place at IBT by many different routes. These include not only this website but also news releases, the Internet, printed publications, and electronic news services.

IBT's scientists have an ethical obligation to the public to account for their stewardship of the public funds, usually in the form of grants from the federal government, used to support their research work. To do this, IBT scientists help produce explanatory material that reaches the public through the routes outlined above. This scientific communication is important for another reason, too. Publicity about science and technology not only attracts more public and private support for research but also helps to attract interested, talented students to careers in science.

As a fomer president of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Mary J.C. Hendrix, notes,

If we are to maintain public appreciation and support for our scientific enterprise, we need to pay more attention to translating the benefits and grandeur of science into the language of broader society. Both educators and journalists have a role to play in communicating the achievements of science. But scientists must recognize that we have a responsibility to increase the availability and salience of science to the public.