Science Friday How Science Communication Can Step Up Amid Federal Cuts
Jun 5, 2025
Felice Frankel, a science photographer and research scientist at MIT, discusses the challenges facing U.S. science amid federal cuts and dwindling public trust. She emphasizes the critical need for improved communication and visual storytelling to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. Frankel argues for a cultural shift among researchers to enhance clarity in scientific discourse and advocates for a federal initiative on effective science communication. Her insights highlight the urgency of engaging the public in vital scientific discussions.
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Lack of Public Communication Incentive
- Scientists often lack interest in communicating their work to the public.
- This stems from the research culture where public communication is unrewarded and not prioritized.
Clarity Through Editing Visuals
- Editing scientific visuals to focus on key points clarifies understanding.
- Communicative graphics improve researchers' thinking and public engagement.
Visuals Are Secondary in Research
- Scientists prioritize text over visuals in research papers.
- Journals treat graphics as secondary, hindering effective communication.