As a scientist, you have devoted your time and energy to conducting research and making new discoveries. The general public, on the other hand, may be unaware of your work or fail to grasp its significance. This is where science communication enters the picture. Science communication is an essential component of communicating scientific knowledge to the general public.

A few days ago, I attended a webinar regarding science communication hosted by the IUBMB (International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and took some notes. The guest speakers, Dr. Roberts and Dr. Wesche, discussed the importance of communicating science with the general public and translating science for a broader audience.

And here are some takeaways from the webinar, as well as some of the things I learned in communicating my research.

1. What has been done previously?

Investigate what others have done in the past and read about their experiences. You will surely know some tips you need to incorporate in your engagement with the public and things to avoid. It is preferable to be well-prepared before embarking on any endeavor.

2. Know  your intended audience.

Before sharing your work, consider the interests and backgrounds of the people you want to reach. Are they subject matter experts or laypeople with little scientific knowledge? Adapt your message and delivery to the level of comprehension of your audience. 

3. Avoid using jargons
Your use of language is critical in communicating your research. Avoid using complex or technical terms that your audience may not understand. Instead, use clear, simple language that non-experts can understand. You may also use metaphors and examples to help your audience bridge the gap between confusion and comprehension.

4. Make use of visual aids.
Visual aids can also be an effective means of communicating your research. Images, videos, and infographics can help make your message more engaging and memorable. A graph or chart, for example, can help clarify complex data and make it easier to understand. Using weird visuals can also make your paper or presentation memorable.

5. Storytelling
Storytelling can also be an effective means of communicating your research. People are naturally drawn to stories, so including one in your science presentation can make it more interesting and relatable.

6. Don't let your ignorance blind you.
Don't succumb to the Dunning-Kruger effect. Many people will inquire about your research, and you must be able to respond to them clearly and concisely. You won't be able to communicate effectively with your audience if your confidence isn't backed up by sufficient knowledge of the subject.

7. Recognize the value of social media.
With billions of users worldwide, social media has become an indispensable tool for scientists to communicate their research and findings to the general public. Scientists can reach a large and diverse audience by using platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, which helps to increase the impact and understanding of their work. Social media can be used by scientists to share research updates, solicit feedback, and engage in discussions with their followers. Furthermore, by cultivating a community of engaged followers, scientists can increase the visibility and impact of their research.

8. Honesty!
It is critical to be open and honest about your research's limitations and uncertainties. Being open about the current state of scientific knowledge and the remaining uncertainties can help you build trust with your audience and foster a better understanding of the scientific process.

In conclusion, communicating your research to the general public can be difficult, but it is critical for making science accessible and engaging. Understanding your audience, using clear language, incorporating visual aids, storytelling, researching, knowing your limitations, being transparent, and using social media appropriately can help bridge the gap between scientists and the rest of the world, inspiring curiosity and interest in science.

All images used are from Canva.

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