A Tale of Two TruthsImproving Communication Between Scientists and Science

Reporters

Shelley Littin

Mentor: Johnny Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Communications

Supervisor: Jennifer Fitzenberger, Director of External Communications

21st Annual Arizona Space Grant Consortium Symposium University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona - April 21, 2012

Science writing 101

“[Paying] attention to interesting and important developments in science and engineering, [talking] to the researchers who uncover them, [learning] about the ideas behind them, and then [communicating] this information to the public as engagingly as I can.”

- Cornelia Dean, science writer and former editor at the New York

Times

Feet on the ground

My Internship –

•Interview researchers•Write stories about the science•Found scientists generally much more comfortable talking to a science major than a journalism major•I am functioning as a Public Information Officer (PIO)

Scientists say:

• Have been misquoted or know someone who has been misquoted

• Feel research may be over-sensationalized; taken out of context

• Unsure about reporter’s motives

• Feel reporters have inadequate science background

Journalists say:

• Feel scientists misunderstand timeframe and deadlines

• Feel professionally insulted when asked to submit story for scientist’s review

• Feel scientists expect journalists to sell their research

• Find scientists unwilling to talk to them

To the Scientist – Why talk to a journalist?•To translate research findings for the public•To educate people about research progress and science issues•To garner funding from public sources•To inspire future problem-solvers and world-fixers

To the Journalist – Why talk to a scientist?•To translate research findings for the public•To inform people about research and science issues•It’s fun and interesting – and your job•To inspire future problem-solvers and world-fixers

The times, they are a-changing Science

- Fewer funds available, budget cuts to programs- Disciplines merging, scientists must explain research value

Result – Feel unappreciated, multitasking, greater frustration

Journalism- Dying?? Newspapers out of print - Rise of blogging and free information over Internet

Result – Sensationalism, more stories per day, less time per story, urgent deadlines, multitasking, greater frustration

Cartoon by Royston Robertson, Cartoonistwww.roystoncartoons.comwww.roystoncartoons.com

Science– Explanation of research to public and funding agencies

vital for funding, recognition, advancement of the field and application or use of research product.

Journalism– Need for solid, accurate reporting that public can rely upon

crucial to stay afloat amidst rise of blogging and free information over the Internet.

Solutions

Education – Learn about each other’s profession, working conditions,

capabilities and constraints

Cooperation – Approach each other openly with attitude of cooperation

Explanation – Be willing to explain your own capabilities and constraints

Walk a little in each other’s shoes…

Scientists:

• Be prepared to talk to journalists about your research

• Have a press release prepared, reviewed or written by your public information officer

• Have names of other scientists available who are familiar with your work available for reporter

Journalists:

• Take time to educate yourself about science as much as possible, especially before doing an interview

• Fact check – not necessarily what you actually write, but the content and scientific facts

• Be patient and establish your reputation

“Ensuring science literacy among United States citizens is essential if you believe that the success of our nation is connected to the progress of science and technology.”

- Edward Prather, department of astronomy and Steward Observatory, the University of Arizona

(Story at: http://uanews.org/node/37030)

Acknowledgements

• Arizona and University of Arizona Space Grant Managers

• University Communications Team Members

• Johnny Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Communications

• Jennifer Fitzenberger, Director of External Communications

• Daniel Stolte, Science Writer

• University of Arizona professors, researchers and doctoral candidates who have granted me their time for interviews

Thank You!