Tools for Scientific Storytelling

genomics.entrepreneurship@UBCBen Paylor - @benpaylor

Amy Elderkin - @vancityamyNovember 26th, 2013

Social Media - #scitweets

• 9:00-9:10: Introductions

• 9:10-9:50: Why Should You Communicate?

• 9:50-10:50: How to Use Social Media?

• 10:50-11:00: Break

• 11:00-12:00: Group Case Work

SCHEDULE

@scienceadvocacy

Science Communicationat the Banff Centre

2-week Intensive Workshop20 Participants admitted each year

Covers: Communication, Writing, Podcasting, Video Production, Media Training, Public Speaking, Drinking, Etc.

http://www.banffscience.ca/

Lesson’s Learnt

1. Be aware: You Are A Brand

2. Getting outside your comfort zone will benefit your career

3. Improving your communication skills will be valuable regardless of what you do

4. There are numerous training/educational opportunities out there - use them

• Dedicated science journalists are increasingly rare (Science blogs increasingly common)

Changing Face of Science

• Difficulties maintaining public trust in science

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Developing for “Alternative” Skills

Building A Community Around Scientific Progress

Moral Imperative to Communicate

“A Social (Media) Contract for Science”

“Urgent and unprecedented environmental and social changes challenge scientists to define a new social contract. New fundamental research, faster and more effective transmission of new and existing knowledge to policy- and decision-makers, and better communication of this knowledge to the public will all be required to meet this challenge.”

- Jane Lubchenco,President of NOAA (09-13)

Deficit VS Public Engagement Model

Nisbett 2012

Why Scientists Should Communicate

@Nancy_Baron

20082013

•Powerful news aggregator•Dialogue with others at conferences•Create professional networks / Develop personal identity•Social Media (Facebook, Twitter) use both predicts and increases citations of papers

Why use Twitter?

Mainstream media coverage led to 72% more citations!

http://youtu.be/1w8MBAM5lqo?t=18s

Social Media and Science

The Effects of Social Media on ScienceA (meta) case study

#ArsenicLife

#mermaids

#Neutrinos

#RipplesOfDoubt

Lesson’s Learnt

•#socialmedia provides scientific scrutiny•Discussion will take place regardless of whether

scientists are engaged•“Blog or be blogged about”

•Influence is not limited to science itself•(Social) Media influences public opinion & policy

Group Case StudiesSocial Media and Science

Deep Sea Exploration:Engaging the Public

Arctic Research:Finding Funding

Greenhouse Gases:Public/Policy

Understanding