So You Want to Be a Science Communicator
Advice from a professional science writer
Talking about science is incredibly important, yet sometimes risky business. Take the Italian astronomer and physicist Galileo (1564–1642), for example. In 1633, Galileo was put on trial for publishing an idea that, at the time, was considered highly controversial: The Earth revolves around the Sun. Galileo’s writing ticked off the Catholic Church, who clung to their belief that the Earth lay at the center of the universe. Galileo was charged with heresy, sentenced to a lifetime of house arrest, and had his publications banned from the public.
Want to read this story later? Save it in Journal.
Science can be controversial, and sharing ideas means sometimes having to pick a side. But that’s precisely why we need to talk about it. In the face of fake news and rampant misinformation, it has never been more critical for scientists to step up and set the record straight. Time and time again, we’ve witnessed how effective science communication can change behaviors, raise awareness, influence opinions, and shape policies. The world needs science communicators, now more than ever.
