200 Words
David Ewing Duncan, science journalist, contributor to Nature and other science publications, and regular NPR and PBS contributor
Ronald Cape, a pioneer in biotech, tells a story about his mother coming to listen to his company presentations. “I don’t understand any of that science,” Ron’s mother would say. So for one talk he created a presentation targeted specifically for her. After the lecture, she said: “I understood everything… except the science.”
Ron told this story at a meeting Vancouver where survey results were announced that had asked Canadians if they had a positive or a negative view of biotechnology. Nearly half didn’t know the meaning of the word.
I could go on, but what I would like to impart to scientists is a simple message: you need to learn to properly communicate your science.
The situation is improving, but not enough when the stakes are so high. Humans are developing the skills and knowledge to self-evolve, and some of our activities, such as global warming, are causing irreparable harm. Scientists need to be more engaged in public policy, and to understand the implications of what they do. I challenge the scientific community to offer specific training for scientists and science-policy experts in communications and policy. Failure will mean that Ron Cape’s mother will continue to not get it – which can only hurt science, and hurt us all.