On February 14, 2013, AAAS hosted a day-long Communicating Science seminar as part of the AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston. This session was comprised of four parts and was organized by Cornelia Dean of The New York Times, and Dennis Meredith, science communication consultant.
The sessions were recorded in their entirety and available to watch at the links below. Each speaker’s talk, as well as the question-and-answer session, are provided as separate videos.
Highlights
Here are some of the highlights from the 2013 AAAS Communicating Science Seminar.
- Changing Media Landscape
- Why should scientists be on social media?
- How can scientists get involved with social media?
- What are some tips to visualizing science?
Working with Print, Broadcast, and Online Media
This session encompassed tips, cautionary tales, and examples of effective science communication by three leading journalists. Speakers discussed the challenges of communicating science through print, broadcast, and online formats. What kinds of science news stories interest each journalist and how is journalism changing?
Moderator: Cornelia Dean, The New York Times
Speakers:
- Chris Joyce, National Public Radio: “Science Journalism: Alive and Kicking”
- Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post: “Science Reporting at Newspapers in an Age of Tight Budgets, Constant Deadlines, Political Polarization, and Industry Upheaval”
- Alan Boyle, NBCNews.com: “Science Journalism on Internet Time”
- Working with Print, Broadcast: Q&A
Communicating Science to Policy-Makers
How can scientists and engineers help shape science policy? Is this task becoming increasingly complicated in the current political climate? This session encompassed an overview on the basics of government relations in support of the scientific enterprise, including do’s and don’ts, tips about timing, working individually or with organizations, and how to deal with “pushback.” See also a AAAS publication, Working with Congress: A Scientist's Guide to Policy Making.
Moderator: Chad English, Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea (COMPASS)
Speakers:
- Arthur Lupia, University of Michigan: “Communicating Science in Politicized Environments”
- Bina Venkataraman, Broad Institute of Harvard
- David Goldston, Natural Resources Defense Council: “Why Can’t They Just Do What’s Right?: Misperceptions and Barriers to Science Communication”
- Communicating Science: Q&A
Visualizing Science
This session focused on cutting-edge strategies for visualizing science through photography, illustrations, video, and more.
Moderator: Dennis Meredith, Science Communication Consultant
Speakers:
- Dennis Meredith, Science Communication Consultant
- Erik Olsen, The New York Times: “Explaining Science in Video”
- Yael Fitzpatrick, AAAS/Science: “Starting with the Basics, Ending with a Bang"
- Visualizing Science: Q&A
Engaging with Social Media
In a constantly changing online landscape, what is the best way for scientists and engineers to engage the public through social media? This session discussed how people are accessing science information via blogs and social networks and the importance of researchers getting involved directly. Speakers addressed the ways that researchers can create meaningful interactions with the public through social media.
Moderator: Carl Zimmer, Science Journalist, The Loom
Speakers:
- Christie Wilcox, University of Hawaii, Science Sushi: “Science in a Digital Age”
- Scicurious, Neurotic Physiology: “Science Blogging for Fun and Profit”
- Dominique Brossard, University of Wisconsin: “Science and the Public in New Information Environment"
- Engaging with Social Media: Q&A