Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, an immunologist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, found herself faced with a science-communication challenge at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tasked with informing the public about the virus and the vaccine she was developing with biotechnology firm Moderna, Corbett-Helaire took to various platforms to disseminate critical information. From news reports to social media videos, she made it her mission to make science accessible and understandable to a broader audience.
In 2021, Corbett-Helaire was one of three scientists who had the opportunity to take over Michelle Obama’s Instagram account for a day, engaging with the former First Lady’s 57 million followers to answer questions about vaccines as they were being rolled out to the public. Today, she continues her research on viruses and vaccines while using her background and platform to bridge the gap between science and the general public.
Despite the significant impact of science communication, Corbett-Helaire highlights the challenges in securing funding for such endeavors. While she has received some funding to support her social media videos, many funders tend to prefer projects with visible outputs or data endpoints, which can be challenging to achieve in the realm of science communication where impact measurements are not always straightforward. Moreover, funding opportunities specifically targeted towards science communication are limited.
### The Importance of Science Communication
Science communication plays a crucial role in making scientific knowledge accessible to a broader audience, regardless of their level of scientific literacy. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for effective science communication, yet many researchers, like Corbett-Helaire, find that public engagement efforts are not adequately incentivized on a broad scale. Despite the vital role it plays in society, science communication is often perceived as a labor of love rather than a valued and rewarded endeavor.
A study conducted among over 6,000 scientists at US universities revealed that a majority of respondents were involved in some form of science communication, with many considering public engagement activities to be important. However, a common sentiment among researchers was the lack of institutional support and recognition for their science communication efforts. This discrepancy highlights the need for greater acknowledgment and investment in science communication initiatives.
### Funding Opportunities for Science Communication
While funding for science communication may be scarce, there are avenues through which researchers can seek financial support for their engagement work. Various organizations, such as the European Geosciences Union, the Genetics Society, and the Royal Society of Chemistry, provide small grants to fund science communication projects by their members. Additionally, philanthropic organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation have supported science outreach projects.
Institutions such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science also emphasize science communication through their programming and fellowships. The US National Science Foundation’s Science of Science: Discovery, Communication, and Impact program focuses on how to effectively communicate science, while certain funders offer additional funding to grant holders for science communication activities. Despite these opportunities, researchers note that funding for science communication is often supplementary to lab research funding and may not be the primary focus of evaluation criteria.
### Strategies for Securing Funding
Researchers who are passionate about science communication can take proactive steps to secure funding and recognition for their outreach efforts. Integrating science communication into day-to-day research work can help demonstrate the importance and impact of public engagement activities. By including requests for science-communication funding in grant proposals, researchers can allocate resources towards outreach initiatives.
Tracking and measuring the impact of science communication projects is essential for securing further funding and recognition. Researchers should aim to collect qualitative and quantitative data that demonstrate the effectiveness of their initiatives. Collaborating with scientists and organizations can also enhance the reach and impact of science communication efforts, fostering partnerships that bridge gaps between researchers and the public.
In conclusion, science communication plays a vital role in fostering public understanding and engagement with scientific research. While funding opportunities for science communication may be limited, researchers can leverage existing resources and strategies to secure support for their outreach initiatives. By prioritizing effective communication and collaboration, scientists can enhance their impact and contribute to a more informed and engaged society.