Deconstructing with Della: March for Science
May 01, 2017 |
| March for Science 2017 |
I have
been working with scientists since 1975. From my first encounters at the Heart
Foundation through to my work today for science organizations, I marvel at
their depth of knowledge. To be good at their work they need to fully immerse
themselves and benefit from studies done before them. It makes for interesting
personality types. Of course, there is a certain amount of introversion and
often a lack of comfort with small talk. I have media trained many scientists
and know how much they struggle with simplifying their messages to make them
understandable. But, they are smart cookies so when they see the value in
connecting the dots for people they become great communicators. Connecting the
dots usually means more funding and acknowledgment of and belief in their science-based
evidence.
You can
see how they have embraced short, pithy messages in the protest signage at
the recent March for Science in Washington. Their nerdy sense of humour comes
through but they are working hard getting their point across.
 |
| March for Science 2017 |
Remembering
the disdain certain scientists had for putting in the time to explain their
science, I think they are now seeing the results of years of ivory tower
thinking. The divided opinion about climate change among certain world leaders
says it all. Most scientists today know
how critical it is to explain their work. The lab coat no longer comes with an
automatic level of believability. Too many studies contradicting each other,
too many over zealous promises, savvy industry lobby groups and some peer
review scandals have impacted credibility.
While the
public still sees value in science there are some major divides on topics such
as GMO’s. Check out this 2015 study by Pew Research.
With populist Neanderthals rising in world power, our scientific community will need to engage even more and share their knowledge in a way that is translatable.
Pictured above is my friend, Peggy Johnston preparing for the March for Science, wearing a knitted brain hat. She is a Senior Program Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She has done incredible International work on an AIDS vaccine (yes, there are still some 36 million people with HIV/AIDS) and is now focused on tuberculosis and HIV vaccines.
With populist Neanderthals rising in world power, our scientific community will need to engage even more and share their knowledge in a way that is translatable.
Pictured above is my friend, Peggy Johnston preparing for the March for Science, wearing a knitted brain hat. She is a Senior Program Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She has done incredible International work on an AIDS vaccine (yes, there are still some 36 million people with HIV/AIDS) and is now focused on tuberculosis and HIV vaccines.
C’mon you brainiacs, use your mental prowess and take action like my friend Peggy. Help us understand your science.
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