From Lab Bench to Public Voice: How to Incorporate Science Communication into Your Research Program

Science and research are under attack and scientists need to fight back. Public access to information is at an unprecedented high, but misinformation and disinformation are rampant and societal trust in science and research is at a historic low. Scientists need to be part of restoring trust in science and evidence-based decision making. For a variety of reasons, including time constraints, little professional recognition, and limited communication experience, too few scientists are involved in science outreach. Here, based on our experience as research scientists who engage in science outreach, we suggest ways to address these issues including four “How-To’s”: Take the leap, Engage, Find Partners, and Explain the scientific process. Like scientific research, science communication is a craft that can be intentionally practiced and developed. Scientists can restore trust in science and research. It is in our best interest, and that of society as a whole, for us to step up and meet this challenge.