In this paper the author identifies four significant waves of Taiwan’s popular science movement, starting from 1970, all through print publications. However, these four waves seems unable to deliver long-lasting results. Pseudo-science is still widely perceived as facts. The author then argues that it is necessary to set the top priorities for science publishing, in the hope of further improving popular science movement.

These four waves are marked by various publishing events. The first wave was made by "Science Monthly," founded in 1970, pioneering "Explaining Scientific Knowledge in Chinese". The second wave was brought by the Chinese edition of "Newton Magazine" in 1983, introducing "The New Era of Illustrated Science Magazine". The third wave arose in 1991, when Commonwealth Publishing Company launched its popular science list, "Science Culture", and started the dialogues between science and humanities communities in Taiwan. The fourth wave emerged from 1998 till now, and during this period, about a dozen of publishing houses established their popular science lists, and two popular science magazines were launched: "Scientific People" (the Complex Chinese Edition of Scientific American) and "Science Development Monthly" (sponsored by National Science Council).

Although every decade a wave would exhibit some effects, altogether they failed to create continued scientific enlightenment as expected. Pseudo-science is still prevailing in Taiwan and the following concerning science publishing would require our immediate attention:

1. Re-target the audience: Aiming at high school students and adjusting the level of knowledge conveyed in the publications accordingly.

2. Choose the right media to work with.

3. Uphold fundamental scientific views: Do not publicize the pseudo-science.

4. Place emphasis on translation and writing techniques.

5. Apply publishing expertise: Production, printing, sales and marketing, logistics and finance are all critical to publishing operation.

6. Encourage active participation of university presses: University presses are easy access to academic resources and communities.

popular science movement in Taiwan  /  science publishing  /  science education