Science is deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives; from the smartphones we use daily to the medicines we rely on and the policies that shape our societies. However, the scientific community seems to be quite isolated from the general public. The most evident proofs of this phenomenon are misconceptions regarding vaccines, climate change, and other novel technologies. Bridging that gap is not just about simplifying complex ideas it’s an art that involves empathy, storytelling, and commitment to making science accessible to all.
In particular, this has been a transformative year for me. Communication is not just knowledge transfer, it is curiosity, empowerment, and trust between science and society. This article recounts some of the lessons I learned during my MPhil and Scinetia Pakistan Science Writing Internship Program Cohort Three, held from Sep to Dec 2024.
Discovering the significance of Science Communication
My MPhil research on superhydrophobic fabric sparked my interest in science communication. The study revolves around creating self-cleaning surfaces using Zinc oxide nanoparticles. As exciting as the scientific work was, I soon learned that the impact would be limited if I could not speak to the broader audience about why it matters. Concepts like nanotechnology and contact angles were hardly understandable to the non-technical populace, so this made me improve my communication skills.
It was a turning point when I joined the Scientia Science Writing Internship- Cohort Three. That’s where I learned the power of storytelling in science communication and engaged in hands-on activities to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Writing on topics such as quantum computing, astrophysics, and climate change helped me understand how to use analogies, narratives, and visual elements to reach a diverse audience.
Insights from the Scientia Webinars
During the two-month internship program, we had the opportunity to listen to world-leading science Journalists and science communicators and engage with them in Q&A sessions. Webinars with experts such as Rachel Jones and Alex Dainis filled the internship with invaluable insights into the art of science communication. Rachel Jones is the Director of Journalism Initiatives for the National Press Foundation. Jones has worked as a journalist and media consultant for the past 30+ years in the US and Africa, for companies including the Detroit Free Press, National Public Radio, Internews, the International Center for Journalists, Kenya’s Nation Media Group, and Voice of America.
Rachel Jones has many years of experience in health communication. Rachel has demonstrated to communities the power of storytelling in transforming scientific facts into narratives that resonate with the general public. From her early work in Chicago to her campaigns in Kenya, she has a strong focus on using journalism as a tool to raise social and health awareness and to prepare researchers and journalists to make well-informed changes.
Rachel Jones emphasizes the importance of making scientific information accessible to the public through storytelling, stating: “For too long we have treated data and research as this sort of alien thing or this formal thing… I want journalists to understand and embrace the use of science in storytelling and how they can make it more accessible to more people.”
Alex Dainis is a renowned science communicator and video producer with ten years of experience producing digital, educational content for the web. Her background includes a PhD in genetics from Stanford University. Her YouTube videos and Tiktok reels have reached millions of viewers worldwide.
In her webinar, Dr Alex concentrated on the significance of blurring the lines between storytelling and science to make complex concepts engaging and accessible. Her creativity in using media to make subjects like genetics and neuroscience easier to understand specifically inspired me.
She frankly discussed the academic challenges she faced in explaining ground-breaking research like DNA sequencing in space. Such an approach teaches and empowers people to participate in learning science activities to make science accessible to all.
Dr Alex encourages young people to embrace uncertainty and the dynamic nature of knowledge to support them in STEM communication. She said: “It’s okay to not know everything; as long as you are learning, you are on the right path.”
Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8-mDtzdDAs&list=PLaN7kQZ_DgeBl7gqvDUkt6lgNgl5fs1uU
My Journey as a Science Communicator
Applying these lessons, I started delving into diverse aspects of science communication. Writing about quantum mechanics was one such difficult yet fruitful experience. I drew analogies that compared, for example, quantum superposition to a coin tossed mid-air; this explains the abstract idea. Similarly, when explaining physics in terms of change, it was easier for readers to be convinced about its urgency when relating it to everyday things like rising temperatures and extreme weather.
One of the most important junctures for me in writing was on the topic of renewable energy technologies. I chose to tell my story on how such innovations can curb global challenges like climate change or energy crises. For instance, I described a scenario of a solar-powered village in a rural setting, where through science, lives can be transformed and one can hope for more. These stories connected me with the readers to turn abstract thoughts into real-life possibilities.
My other contributing area was science education; I created content that simplifies scientific concepts for students. I aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. This work has been deeply fulfilling, as it aligns with my goal of making science accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
The Challenges of Science Communication
Despite its rewards, science communication has significant challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is balancing accuracy with simplicity. Oversimplifying complex concepts can lead to misinformation, while overly technical explanations risk alienating readers. I’ve experienced this challenge firsthand while writing about quantum mechanics. Simplifying concepts like entanglement without distorting their meaning required careful thought and creativity.
Another challenge is the misinformation storm on digital platforms. As Rachel Jones noted in her webinar, the role of the communicator extends beyond the dissemination of correct information, but also to dispel myths and gain the audience’s trust. It is a responsibility that I take seriously, trying to produce content that is both credible and engaging.
Digital platforms also bring opportunities and challenges. Blogs, podcasts, and social media have democratized access to information. In these platforms, communicators have the opportunity to reach an audience worldwide. However, concise, visually appealing content can vie for attention in an era of information overload. As Dr Alex Dianis’s advice, the use of visuals and analogies has been instrumental in helping me navigate this landscape.
Looking Ahead— My Vision
I aim to contribute to science communication in Pakistan for better scientific awareness. One of my key goals is to bridge the gap between researchers and the public by creating content that is both informative and inspiring. Whether it’s explaining the physics of climate change, the potential of renewable energy technologies, or the mysteries of quantum computing, my focus will remain on making science relatable and relevant.
I also look forward to working with educators, scientists, communicators, and organizations like Scientia Pakistan to develop resources to advance scientific literacy. I plan to organize workshops and online teaching classes for students and aspiring communicators about the art of storytelling in science.
Using platforms like blogs, TikTik, YouTube, etc to reach a bigger audience is another area in which I am passionate. This approach aligns with Dr Alex’s vision of utilizing visuals and short messaging as these are essential elements needed to grab people’s attention in today’s fast pace.
Playing the Peacemaker through Science Communication
Science communication is an art, a responsibility, and a bridge between science and society. It transforms complex ideas into stories that inspire curiosity, empower individuals, and drive positive change. As I journey on; I remain committed to making science accessible to all.
Here, every story told, every misconception corrected, and every idea simplified brings us closer to a world where science is not confined to laboratories or textbooks but belongs to the people. Combining the lessons learned from my research, internship, and experts, I look forward to building a future where scientific literacy is not just a goal but a shared responsibility, connecting science to society in meaningful and transformative ways.
Also, Read: Genetics in the Spotlight: Perspectives from a Scientist and Communicator Dr. Alex Dainis
Ifra Zaidi holds an M.Phil. in Solid State Physics from the University of Punjab. Her research focuses on multifunctional textile nanotechnology. She was an intern for the Scientia Science Writing Internship, Cohort Three. She is passionate about the intersection of science, technology, and innovation.
