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#SciComm covers a mind-boggling set of skills and fields. You'll find us writing articles or books, making videos, designing infographics, presenting at festivals, etc. etc.
What's key is we all want to accurately & clearly disseminate scientific information to our audiences.
What's key is we all want to accurately & clearly disseminate scientific information to our audiences.
The beauty about #SciComm is we are all different. Our backgrounds range widely - some have degrees in the field or already have PhDs, others don't, some love writing and others love presenting. Many are also STEM practitioners who enjoy sharing their work.
And I think we can all agree, alongside the science itself, 2020 has thrust the communication of science into the limelight.
Never have my friends and family asked me so many questions about science and what governments and media are saying/what's true.
Never have my friends and family asked me so many questions about science and what governments and media are saying/what's true.
So 1st tip: With #SciComm & disinformation (one of the biggest 2021 challenges), individual conversations with trusted people are SO important.
Within your circle, everyone in STEM has the opportunity to be a trusted person in their own community - honour the role!
Within your circle, everyone in STEM has the opportunity to be a trusted person in their own community - honour the role!
People don't want to feel stupid or confused. They want to feel connected and like they understand.
When it come to collective challenges like COVID-19, it's not a matter of 'who cares if they don't get it'. Lives, livelihoods, and our health are at stake if communication fails.
When it come to collective challenges like COVID-19, it's not a matter of 'who cares if they don't get it'. Lives, livelihoods, and our health are at stake if communication fails.
Genuinely think about what they're asking & why. Don't be dismissive or haughty.
Through the conversations, share the value of uncertainty and the scientific process. It's ok to say 'I don't know, let me look into it', or 'I see why you think that, but so far what's known is...'
Through the conversations, share the value of uncertainty and the scientific process. It's ok to say 'I don't know, let me look into it', or 'I see why you think that, but so far what's known is...'
Accurate description of what #SciComm in practice can look like 
(me trying to explain the evolution of our senses to children at @BrightonScience a few years back)
(me trying to explain the evolution of our senses to children at @BrightonScience a few years back)
