It is extremely important for scientists to communicate their knowledge to non-experts. Non-experts need to know what is going on in the scientific community in order to make well-informed decisions. It is also important for science to be accessible, diverse, and inclusive - not just limited to those studying or practicing it for a living. When science is shared, it also helps promote it and encourages a greater understanding. While scientists do a great job of communicating with other scholars, there is a large communication gap between scientists and laypeople. The question of how to communicate scientific information, in terms of both wording and media, is what complicates the ability to communicate effectively. Writing a research article is vastly different than writing a blog to explain scientific concepts to middle schoolers. When relaying information to non-experts, scientists must use language which anyone can understand, regardless of their scientific background, or lack thereof.
It is the responsibility of scientists to communicate good science to the public in a manner that anyone and everyone can digest. When scientists fail to do this, their work can be misinterpreted, leading to gaps in knowledge and fear-mongering. One example of this can be seen at the Salk Institute where they attempted to see if it would be possible to integrate human stem cells into pig stem cells in hopes of creating life-saving human organs. However, some people believed the objective was to create The Pigman Monstrosity From Hell.
One mainstream figure in scientific communication is Dr. Anthony Fauci. Dr. Fauci has world-renowned HIV studies, but most people know him from their TV screens. Fauci has a long history of speaking up, dispelling myths, and correcting administrations on scientific topics. Recently, he has been speaking about COVID-19 and the government’s response to it, which he often criticizes. You can often see him on different media outlets speaking on the risks associated with COVID-19 and constantly debunking myths with scientific facts. The public relies on him - and others who are similar - to supply them with accurate information.
Dr. Fauci is a great example of how science should be communicated. Many scientists, institutions, and the general public have realized that communication of science is vital. Colleges are increasingly recognizing its importance. Graduate curriculums often include science communication classes, and universities are increasingly providing opportunities for graduate students to share their research with the local community. The recognition of the importance of soft skills in science is monumental. In the future, we can not only expect to see better scientists but also better communicators. Science has been an interdisciplinary field and the ability to communicate effectively is essential when studying interdisciplinary subjects.
Feliú-Mójer, Mónica I. “Effective Communication, Better Science.” Scientific American Blog Network, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2015, blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/effective-communication-better-science/.
“New Findings Highlight Promise of Chimeric Organisms for Science and Medicine.” Salk Institute for Biological Studies, www.salk.edu/news-release/new-findings-highlight-promise-chimeric-organisms-science-medicine/.
says:, Trinidad Soteras, and Name *. “Why Scientists Need to Be Better Communicators.” Science in the News, 22 Apr. 2017, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/scientists-need-better-communicators/.
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