There are thousands of kinds of jobs in the world because every person has different skills and needs. Let’s look at a few jobs and find the easiest and quickest way to describe them.
What does a teacher do?
They teach.
What does a chef do?
They cook.
What does a police officer do?
They catch the bad guys.
Now, what about a science communicator?
Did you pause a bit? Or the answer didn’t come as fast as the first 3 questions. That’s okay.! If your thought is something like “they talk about science, tell people about research, or make science easy to understand,” you’re right! It includes all of that and much more.
The world is changing rapidly with the latest scientific research, advances and discoveries. However, it’s hard to share this exciting news with everyone if the science is riddled with jargon. This is where the science communicator comes in. Think of them as a translation device between the scientist and the public, where they take scientific knowledge and simplify it for the average Joe. Their role is to bridge the gap between non-scientists and their understanding of scientific findings. To explain more about this role, our very own Science Communicator, Vishala Sivapalan will share her experience and provide some insights of how to effectively communicate scientific concepts to the public.
1. For those who may not be familiar, how would you define the term “science communicator”?
A science communicator is someone who talks about science in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand. We take complicated scientific ideas and make them simple and engaging. We use different ways such as writing, talking or even making videos to share this information in a fun and interesting way. It’s important for us to connect the dots between scientist and regular people because we want everyone to see how fascinating and important science is in our everyday lives.
2. What does your role entail on a day-to-day basis at CRMY?
I think I have one of the most exciting jobs because I have the opportunity to talk to the scientists and learn about their amazing research on cancer. This is what usually happens; after our chat where I immerse myself in the intricate details of their studies, I will distil the complex ideas and turn them into simple messages that anyone can relate to. I create presentation slides with pictures along with examples that help people connect with the impactful work being done at Cancer Research Malaysia. I firmly believe that by breaking down these scientific barriers, we not only promote comprehension but also cultivate a sense of shared purpose.
In a more refined sense, you could say that we’re the storytellers with a touch of science expertise.
3. What are some common misconceptions people have about the field of science communication, and how would you address them?
I like this question because it gives me a chance to break down the misbelief. The biggest misconception we have is that the belief that we exclusively communicate using technical jargon, which is not true.! In reality, our goal is quite the opposite. We work to make science easy for everyone by explaining tricky words in simple everyday language. Our goal is to make a clear explanation and not confusing with difficult terms.
Another misconception is the notion that our focus is solely on promoting our own scientific research. While sharing our discoveries is essential, our bigger goal is to enhance the accessibility and appeal of science. Last but not least is the common misjudgement that our communication is limited to the scientific community. As such, we constantly reach out to new people from various background to spark interest and curiosity among diverse audiences.
4. What qualities or skills are essential for someone looking to become a successful science communicator, especially in the context of conveying complex information about cancer research to diverse audiences?
To be a good science communicator, you need to know your audience very well in order to speak effectively at explaining science, especially when talking about about complex topic to different people. It’s not about what you want to say but it’s about discovering the right balance between your message and what truly interests your audience. This means being understanding and skilful at adapting your communication to suit what your listeners or viewers is interested in and needs. Also, bear in mind that most people may not be familiar with the intricacies of your topic, particularly in the context of cancer research. Break down the details to the basics to ensure your message is easy to digest.
Effective public speaking skills are another essential quality. Being able to articulate in a clear and engaging manner is key to capturing and maintaining your audience’s attention. Be prepared to change the content, method and presentation style to suit the specific needs and interests of your crowd. Whether communicating with a eager 5-year-old or curious 35-year-old, tailoring the approach to meet the audience’s comprehension level and captivation is vital. Flexibility is key.!
5. For individuals interested in pursuing a career in science communication, what advice would you offer?
My advice for all the youths out there is to actively engage in sharing your excitement about science through various platforms. Start by writing blogs about the scientific topics that genuinely interest you. Choose a subject matter that genuinely interest you as your enthusiasm will naturally shine through your writing. Blogging not only serve as a platform for you to articulate your thoughts but also act as a portfolio showcasing your knowledge and communication skills.
Additionally, use social media to build your presence and reach a wider audience. Utilise it as a tool to get your ideas out there and connect with more people as it offers diverse avenues for communication, allowing you to explore different formats such as creating videos, producing short content for platforms like Instagram, or crafting informative posts.
Each of these formats is a unique way to convey scientific information, and experimenting with different modes of communication can help you discover your preferred style. Interact with your audience by responding to comments, initiating discussions, and staying updated on emerging trends in science. Networking with fellow science communicators and professionals in your field can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. Be yourself when you communicate and let your excitement for science shine through in a way that shows your unique perspective.
If you are passionate about science and want to share it with the world, why not give Science Communicator a shot. You could apply here: https://boards.briohr.com/cancerresearchmalaysia-0m0ooz080k/details/63a517ad1da8890008810fac or send your resume to hr@cancerresearch.my
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