The increase in the social popularity of scientists is an important indicator for measuring the effectiveness of science communication work,and the changes in social popularity are closely related to symbolization.This article analyzes the impact of scientists'symbolization on their social popularity and finds that the potential of symbolization is influenced to varying degrees by factors such as contribution level,disciplinary field,distance from the public,and social choice;Symbolization makes the image of scientists a part of popular culture and public knowledge;Reasonable use of semiotic tools to grasp the social factors of public cognition is beneficial for the social dissemination of the image of scientists.Therefore,this article believes that science communicators should keenly capture changes in the social and cultural atmosphere,and correctly guide the symbolization of the image of scientists;Scientists should cultivate a positive social image and strengthen interaction with the public;The government and society should pay attention to providing support that matches the historical context in science communication work.