Science Communication
5 easy ways to get involved and reasons why
It’s been a very busy and fun SciComm autumn with lots of firsts. I was interviewed for my first podcast episode, I wrote the first letter to my middle-school STEM pen pal, and I had my first video call with high schoolers, chatting about my PhD research. Most nerve-rackingly, I’ve started an Instagram account to share my SciComm with wider audiences — please say hi @ scicommclara.
I clearly love talking about psychology and neuroscience, and most of all my PhD research on cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis.
So why should you get involved? And how?
5 reasons to get involved with SciComm
Reflection
Discussing science with people who do not work in your area of expertise is an amazing way to reflect on your research and progress. Especially when undertaking long research projects or programmes, such as a PhD or other type of doctoral degree, talking about your work, process, achievements and challenges in an accessible manner really puts things into perspective.
This might also be a great opportunity to remind yourself of basic theories and assumptions on which your specialised work rests. Engaging in SciComm, you really need to ask yourself, what am I doing? And why?
Inspiration
A few weeks ago, a 9th grader asked me “Can we replace a human brain with a pig brain?” — and I absolutely loved the question. I ended up going down a research rabbit hole, learning about the many ways in which pig brains are used in research to help us understand human brain functioning. I had never read about this topic before, and I felt inspired to discover a new research area.
The people you engage with in SciComm projects may not be experts in your research area, but often, they will be asking interesting questions. And sometimes, these questions can be more relevant to public interest than the topics we come up with chatting to people in our academic bubble.
In my own research, I like to think of people living with multiple sclerosis as experts by experience, who meaningfully contribute to scientific research by sharing their lived experience and insights.
Fun
If you love your science, others will too. Listening to people who are passionate about research can be really fun, especially when they explain why they are so excited about their work.
I always have a lot of fun when doing SciComm — and so I was delighted that one students said “I didn’t want her to leave” after our video call.
The fun factor in SciComm should not be underestimated, and might actually reinvigorate your own enjoyment of science.
Service
There’s many reasons scientists may feel like giving back to the community.
You might be funded through tax payers’ money, maybe you are working with people who donated hours of their time to advance your research, and many of us are recognising that they have been privileged in their access to higher education — in ways that others are not.
SciComm can be a great way to serve the community, and to support and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Career
The skills required to communicate science accessibly are highly transferrable and sought after. That means, you will benefit by engaging in SciComm in many ways.
For example, being able to communicate your area of expertise accessibly, and to actively listen and appropriately respond to your audience, is crucial in collaborating with people across disciplines and institutions.
Additionally, science dissemination and communication with general audiences is becoming increasingly important in funding and research grant applications.
5 easy ways to get involved with SciComm
Letters to a Pre-Scientist
Letters to a Pre-Scientist is a fantastic organisation matching US 5th to 10th grade students — aka pre-scientists — from low-income communities with scientists and STEM professionals, including graduate students, worldwide.
I’ve really enjoyed crafting and receiving my first letter, which centred around the theme of STEM career pathways. The next rounds of letters will focus on higher education journeys, overcoming obstacles, and reflection and inspiration.
The goal of Letters to a Pre-Scientist is to broaden pre-scientists’ understanding of what STEM professionals look like, and the kind of work they do. I hope to inspire my pen pal to consider a future in STEM.
Skype a Scientist
Similar to Letters to a Pre-Scientist, Skype a Scientist connects scientists with classrooms (and more) worldwide.
However, instead of being matched with one student at a time, Skype a Scientist matches STEM professionals, which once again includes graduate students, with entire classrooms, libraries, families, scout troops, and more.
Classrooms and scientists are based all over the world. I loved the opportunity to talk to Canadian 9th graders from the comfort of my Dublin home.
I was worried about filling an hour-long session at first, but time just flew and I only just about managed to get through all of the fantastic questions students had prepared for me.
Start a Blog
If chatting to groups of people seems a bit daunting at first, starting a blog might be an alternative. There’s many free platforms — including medium — to get started. This gives you the option to proof read and work on your SciComm until you are happy for the world to read and share it. Starting a blog might also be good practice for pitching your ideas to SciComm publications.
SciComm Publications
I’ve really enjoyed writing for SciComm publications like InSPIre the Mind and The Particle — and there’s many more out there.
Typically, the process of pitching articles is very straightforward, and simply involves submitting a brief summary of your ideas. I value the opportunity to receive feedback on my pitches and drafts, as well as the sense of security that comes with the editing and review process.
Sometimes, it can feel daunting to publish a piece by yourself, especially because we are often used to going through extensive peer-review processes. Writing for SciCom publications might be a comfortable middle ground.
Social Media
Finally, if you’ve been writing articles, chatting on podcasts, or volunteering your time with science outreach organisations, it might be nice to share some of it on social media.
This can help you to reach even wider audiences and may lead to meaningful connections and new conversations — it certainly has for me.
Do you feel like I missed something? Do you have a recommendation to share? Please feel free to comment below.
