Why communicate science?
Communicating science is becoming more widely accepted as a core capacity of the world’s top researchers.
At the same time, science and scientific research is threatened more than ever by misinformation and misrepresentation.
Not every scientist or researcher should communicate science. It probably won’t lead to tenure, a grant or a promotion at work. If you decide you have a role to play, get involved.
When scientists and researchers communicate effectively, they can:
- Clearly explain the results of their work to the scientific community and the media
- Add rational, evidence-backed views to the public discussion
- Win funding and public support for their work more effectively
- Help shape the regulatory environment
- Become a better job candidate, speaker, writer and teacher
- Inspire young people to the excitement of science
To communicate your research effectively:
- Express ideas clearly in terms your target audience understands.
- Emphasize your humanity. Explain how people’s lives or perspectives will change (or could change) as a result of your work.
- Connect with your curiousity. Talk about mysteries still waiting to be explored and new worlds discovered.
- Inspire. Passion and enthusiasm plus technical knowledge will always trump technical knowledge alone.
Next: Understanding audiences
