Abstract: Nowadays popularization of science(PS) has been embodying its own rules and characteristics. Contrary to the old notion that scientists should act the subordinate role of the PS, this paper shows that the diversity and specialization trend of subjects of PS is unavoidable, especially due to the mass media development in this scientific and democratic society, and so the traditional role of scientists in the popularization activity of science would also be changed accordingly. Based on the general communication model of mass media, this paper first provides a new communication model showing the scientist role changes in modern PS. Then the paper divides the “scientist” into two kinds: scientist individual and scientist group, and discusses their different roles in PS. As a result of the division the paper suggests a practical way for evaluating the scientist role in PS today.
Key Words: scientists; scientist role in the PS; professionalism; evaluation