It's tough being a scientist these days.
You have to be rigorous, data-driven and totally committed to your calling to maintain credibility in a world where fake news challenges every finding. Plus, you have to be able to communicate your research to non-scientific audiences in a way that gets them to act on and support your work. Science storytelling can help you find a way to do both.
In this episode, Dr. Britt Wray shares insights from her award-winning work as a science storyteller, focused on the mental health impact of climate change and ecological crises. As an author, broadcaster, TED Fellow and scientist herself, she's used stories to engage audiences in everything from de-extinction (bringing back extinct species) to AI.
To humanize often complex concepts, Britt encourages scientists to find ways to get out of the lab and into the field, to interview real people affected by the issue they're researching. She also emphasizes the need to look for the "X-factor" in their work – what is surprising or unexpected about their findings? Where is there conflict or suspense about how the research will turn out?
For those who want to know more, she recommends two books: Houston, We have a Narrative: Why Science Needs Story, written by marine biologist turned storyteller Randy Olson, and Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio, based on behind-the-scenes work at This American Life and Radio Lab.
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