From Scientific Papers to Social Media posts

Science communication has undergone a profound transformation over the years. From the professional halls of academia to the noisy world of social media. The way we communicate scientific findings has evolved to meet the changing needs of society. One of my professors told me: to know where you are going, you need to know what came before you. So let’s have a look at the evolution of science communication.

From Journals to Magazines

I don’t think this is something new: scientific discoveries were and are primarily targeted to academic journals. These journals, often only accessible by payment, were the gatekeepers of scientific knowledge. Researchers would submit their findings, undergo rigorous peer reviews, and if deemed worthy, their work would be published. While this ensured a high standard of accuracy and credibility, it also meant that scientific knowledge remained largely inaccessible to the general public.

As curiosity about the world around us grew, there was a starting demand for science to be made accessible to the masses. This led to the rise of popular science magazines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Publications like "Scientific American" and "Popular Science" brought complex scientific concepts to laypeople in an understandable and engaging format. Science was no longer confined to academia; it had found its way to the coffee tables of curious minds.

We can’t underestimate the importance of making science more popular. By sharing the in’s and out’s of the scientific method whole generations were introduced to this exciting world of exploration. It’s highly possible that you and me got our interests through the magazines and books we read in our upbringing.

Bringing Science to Life

With the advent of television and radio, science communication entered a new era. Programs like "Cosmos" hosted by Carl Sagan and BBC's "The Blue Planet" captivated audiences, bringing the wonders of the universe and the depths of the oceans right into living rooms. Science was no longer just to be read; it was to be watched and heard. For the first time we got to experience complex illustrations and difficult concepts through animation and visual storytelling.

Though the creation of these materials was reserved for select initiatives and media houses. The topics and fields discussed were still heavily regulated and curated for the audience behind the screen. This is also the time more and more scientists get media training, to understand the way journalists and program makers report the science to the (big) screen. Talking in soundbites became an important lesson for the researchers who didn’t want to be taken out of context. To this day that remains a highly valuable, yet underestimated, skill.

The Age of the Internet

The rise of the internet marked a seismic shift in science communication. Websites, blogs, and online forums became the new platforms for scientists to share their research with a global audience. The digital age democratized access to scientific knowledge, breaking down geographical and economic barriers. This also marked a change in the way we peer review and share scientific papers within the community. Still heavily gated, but strides are made to work towards an open access version of the scientific archives.

Fast forward to today and science communication has embraced the dynamic world of social media. Platforms like Twitter (yeah we know: X), Instagram, and TikTok offer scientists a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse audience in real-time. From bite-sized facts to in-depth discussions, social media has made science more interactive and shareable than ever before. The media produced isn’t hold back by gatekeepers or curated. You can truly find research about anything being shared on the internet!

But, we also see that the adaptation of digital science communication, especially on social media, is still behind than other sectors in our society. The academic machine is slow to get moving and even now there’s still a rather minimal availability when it comes to sci com classes for new students. That’s where we as Creators For Climate like to make a change.

Finding Your Strength as a Communicator

In this pretty big landscape of science communication, it's important for you as a researcher to identify and leverage your unique strengths. Not every scientist will be a natural blogger, and not all will feel comfortable in front of a camera. However, the diverse range of platforms available today means there's a medium for everyone.

Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles, hosting engaging podcasts, or creating captivating visuals for Instagram, finding your niche is crucial. By aligning your strengths with the right platform, you can effectively communicate your research, engage with a broader audience, and make a lasting impact in your field.

Join the Movement

Eager to learn how you can apply science communication for your own research, and find your natural strengths? Sign up for the waitlist of the Science Communication 101 and be an integral part of our community of change!