Not to mention so many other factors as to why scientists are bad at communicating to the public: we aren't taught how to do this during our training (which, similar to teaching and managing employees, clearly people don't see this as an integral skill worthy of training professionals in), science communication/service is not incentivized (through the tenure process, in grants, etc.), and, let's be honest, some scientists think this is beneath them! Further, when so many people who receive PhDs come from parents who have PhDs, there's an issue with knowledge generation and dissemination coming from only a subsection of the population with an incredibly elite educational background!
There's a great organization called ComSciCon that hosts workshops for grad students on science communication (disclosure that I've been an attendee and organizer with them): https://comscicon.com/
I was lucky that my advisors did not discourage me from engaging in science writing and outreach, but I know that is not always the case.
I've been working on my science communication skills (or as I like to call it, public scholarship) for many years now: 10 years on Wordpress, about 3 years on Instagram, and now a newcomer to Substack with a website in development. I am committed to getting science into the hands (or rather minds, haha) of folks who can use it. And while I feel that fear you mention (more so in the early days, but still -- if I post something an no one reads it...is it worth it??) I think there's another issue that's even more pressing: Not all of our science colleagues recognize public scholarship as a valid scholarly endeavor. For folks who need positive performance reviews, engaging in public scholarship activities is just too risky. I didn't start until after tenure so I can push back when review committees raise eyebrows at whether I am actually working when I write for the public and "give it away" ... but even then it hurts to receive a sternly worded letter stating that the college's expectations for scholarship are not being met when my work is not peer reviewed. I expect that this kind of barrier holds many people back from even trying.
Add that to the fact that it does indeed take quite a bit of practice (and trial and error!) to adjust from the formality of scientific reporting to the informality of public science communication and it's no wonder more folks aren't doing it.
You wrote what is in my heart and mind as well. What you and I do is so important, and yet some in science look down on it because it is not in the most elite peer reviewed journals. But we know that getting the information out to the public is so important!
Are you familiar with The Association of Science Communicators? I've only recently become aware of them and am thinking about joining. I don't know anyone who knows much about them though.
Not to mention so many other factors as to why scientists are bad at communicating to the public: we aren't taught how to do this during our training (which, similar to teaching and managing employees, clearly people don't see this as an integral skill worthy of training professionals in), science communication/service is not incentivized (through the tenure process, in grants, etc.), and, let's be honest, some scientists think this is beneath them! Further, when so many people who receive PhDs come from parents who have PhDs, there's an issue with knowledge generation and dissemination coming from only a subsection of the population with an incredibly elite educational background!
There's a great organization called ComSciCon that hosts workshops for grad students on science communication (disclosure that I've been an attendee and organizer with them): https://comscicon.com/
I was lucky that my advisors did not discourage me from engaging in science writing and outreach, but I know that is not always the case.
These are such great points, Jasmine and Rosa - thanks for the link, too!
As a recently retired Communication professor, I recommend also connecting with the National Communication Association (natcom.org). We are allies in your efforts to communicate effectively with the public. Check out this article, Defending Science: How the Art of Rhetoric Can Help. https://www.natcom.org/communication-currents/defending-science-how-art-rhetoric-can-help
Thank you so much for this resource!
I've been working on my science communication skills (or as I like to call it, public scholarship) for many years now: 10 years on Wordpress, about 3 years on Instagram, and now a newcomer to Substack with a website in development. I am committed to getting science into the hands (or rather minds, haha) of folks who can use it. And while I feel that fear you mention (more so in the early days, but still -- if I post something an no one reads it...is it worth it??) I think there's another issue that's even more pressing: Not all of our science colleagues recognize public scholarship as a valid scholarly endeavor. For folks who need positive performance reviews, engaging in public scholarship activities is just too risky. I didn't start until after tenure so I can push back when review committees raise eyebrows at whether I am actually working when I write for the public and "give it away" ... but even then it hurts to receive a sternly worded letter stating that the college's expectations for scholarship are not being met when my work is not peer reviewed. I expect that this kind of barrier holds many people back from even trying.
Add that to the fact that it does indeed take quite a bit of practice (and trial and error!) to adjust from the formality of scientific reporting to the informality of public science communication and it's no wonder more folks aren't doing it.
Yes, great points. There is absolutely an issue of dedicating time - and if it's not rewarded in our academic settings, is it worth it?
You wrote what is in my heart and mind as well. What you and I do is so important, and yet some in science look down on it because it is not in the most elite peer reviewed journals. But we know that getting the information out to the public is so important!
Are you familiar with The Association of Science Communicators? I've only recently become aware of them and am thinking about joining. I don't know anyone who knows much about them though.
I'm not familiar, but will check them out! Thank you!
Sure thing. I’m going to go to their conference since it’s local. Hoping it’s inspiring and informative ☺️
This is brilliant and something I think about constantly!!