Sound Science & Achieving Positive Change
What does it mean to be “scientifically sound?” It means denouncing pseudoscience and adhering to the requirements of best available science as defined in WAC 365-195-905 (5)(a) and (b) [https://bit.ly/31H0aCh].
OK, that is pretty “jargony.” Simply put, sound science implies that a set of data, facts, or conclusions of a scientific nature are supported byΒ *studies that follow the high standards of the scientific method.*
The results of these studies generate facts and evidence used to inform public decision-making. But sound science alone will not achieve positive change. That is whyΒ science *must* be coupled with *effective communication.*
We are no longer in the age of doing “our job” as scientists by presenting the results of our “sound science.” No. ππ© ππ¨ π©ππ’π π©πππ© π¬π – ππ¨ π¨ππππ£π©ππ¨π©π¨ β π§πππ€ππ£ππ―π π¨ππππ£ππ ππ€π’π’πͺπ£ππππ©ππ€π£ (ππππΎπ€π’π’) ππ¨ π ππ€πͺπ£πππ©ππ€π£ππ‘ π₯ππ§π© π€π ππππ£π π π¨ππππ£π©ππ¨π©.
Our current system isolates the scientific community from the rest of the world, with no free exchange of ideas, leaving a major disparity in scientific literacy.
Even if you have no formal training in communications, I encourage you to start. Feel overwhelmed by that challenge? Maybe you can start, simply, by breaking down jargony words – like macrophage (large, eater) – to better explain their meaning and/or function.
Recently, I gave a talk about immune system cells for The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and I did just that. I did not use PowerPoint (yuck!), and I coupled the breakdown of words with striking visuals. What can I say, it was simple, impactful, and effective!
The future of science is effective communication, and it is through effective communication that we can:
β« Share science with everyone
β« Correct false beliefs
β« Bridge gaps between worldviews
β« Inform public decision-making
β« Breakdown barriers and include more people
β« Improve diversity, equity, and inclusion problems
#soundscienceΒ #scicomm #sciencecommunication #positivechange #communication #science #dei