tools for scientific storytelling: social media
DESCRIPTION
A key to becoming a successful scientist is the ability to communicate one’s fascinating research in a way that is readily understandable by non-scientists. This session will underline the importance of public awareness and understanding of scientific pursuits and how the ability to communicate to the general public can benefit both the research itself as well as a scientist’s career. The focus of this 1.5 hour session is to introduce participants to the value of social media for communicating their research to a lay audience in the context of storytelling. Scientists, in general, have been somewhat reticent to normalize the use of social media as a tool to engage the public as well as network with their colleagues. In addition to exploring the current social media landscape and why it is important to your science, the session will also focus on practical communication skills such as effective choice of wording (i.e. identifying and eliminating jargon), tailoring your story to your audience, generating excitement/entertainment with your work, and eliminating misleading notions from your communications.TRANSCRIPT
Tools for Scientific Storytelling
genomics.entrepreneurship@UBCBen Paylor - @benpaylor
July 4th, 2013
Social Media
What is a PhD?Doctor of a “love of wisdom”
All human knowledge Your PhD
http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/
Epigenetic Landscapes (2010)
A Natural Selection(2011)
Deflating the Genomic Bubble(2012)
Screened:GeneScreen (2010, 2011, 2012)
Imagine Science Film (2011)DeafTVFest (2011)
Master ASL! Textbook (2012)Michael Smith AMBL Genetics
Workshop (2012, 2013)
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
Science Communicationat the Banff Centre
Blogging
Client Animation Servicehttp://www.infoshots.ca
Summer 2011 to Present....Develop workflow (scripting, storyboarding, narration, editing),
client / provider relationships, learn how to not be crappy
StemCellShorts
Pilot Project: 3 videos on basic stem cell QsNarrated by SCN PIs (Till, Rossant, Bhatia)Us: Concept, Script, Storyboards, Narration, Production
Contract: Animation, Sound Design
Distribution: Let’s Talk Science, Science.ca, SCN, StemCellTalks
Granted March 2012 & May 2013
Up to $5000 for Public Outreach projects
StemCellShorts - Pilot1. What is a stem cell? (Dr. Jim Till)2. What is an embryonic stem cell? (Dr. Janet Rossant)3. What is an induced pluripotent stem cell? (Dr. Mick Bhatia)
600 - 700 Attendees for 2013 ConferenceAlways looking for volunteers!
November 20-22, Toronto, ON
Science Communication 101
Interesting, relevant, clear and understandable to the audience
New and/or novel
Entertaining*
(True)*
Meets the medium’s non-negotiable demands about length, form, style, etc.
Qualities of a good story
Completeness
Thoroughness
Strict accuracy
Discussions of measurement uncertainty, confidence levels, etc.
Acknowledgment of alternative theories or explanations
Acknowledgment of collaborators, competitors, previous work, etc.
Qualities that a good story doesn’t need
No one needs to read about your stupid science
•Describe your work using the minimum number of words and ideas new to your audience
•Use analogies or metaphors that might be helpful in conveying the meaning of your work. (But be aware of the limitations of analogies)
•Don’t be afraid to put caveats, qualifications, technical details, etc., at the end—or even to leave them out in some cases. The public’s needs are different from those of your peers
Describing your research
From R.C.J. Somerville and S.J. Hassol, “Communicating the Science of Climate Change,” Physics Today, October 2011, p. 48
Describing your research
•Use active voice sentence structures rather than passive ones: “We analyzed the sample” rather than “The sample was analyzed…”
•Don’t be afraid to put yourselves in the story of your research. It isn’t immodest. You are characters in the story
•Think conversation, not lecture
Social Media for Scientists
Social Media for Scientists
The Big Four
Lesser Known Tools...Blogging Platforms
•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!
Don’t Be Overwhelmed!
Where to start?
1. Create Twitter Account2. Don’t worry about followers3. Follow those who interest you4. Unfollow those who don’t5. Tweet!6. Use #hashtags/pictures/links
Top Twitter Tips for Academic
http://www.lwec.org.uk/sites/default/files/TwitterTips.pdf
Assessing Impact - altmetrics
Questions?
Thanks genomics.entrepreneurship@UBC
Banff Science Communication Faculty