What institutional barriers are keeping life scientists from communicating to the public about their work? Leaders from the life sciences community and from research organizations explored the current landscape of public communication of the life sciences. The workshop addressed many challenges life scientists face, policy restrictions in government, incentives and adequate support structures at the university level, and intellectual property issues in industry. Participants also highlighted new opportunities and models of communications. The workshop concluded with discussions about the funding landscape for life scientist communicators and the building blocks needed to develop sustainable infrastructures for life science communication.