Scientific publications are written for scientists which indirectly leave out anyone who does not have a scientific education. A good rule of thumb is, if we as scientists cannot explain our research in a simple way then we probably do not fully understand it ourselves. Additionally, part of being a good scientist is thinking about how a particular manuscript, research study, technology, application, etc. can be used beyond the aim of its original purpose.
Both the aforementioned points are important; however, seem lacking in the scientific community. A few years ago I had a discussion with a friend, an intellectual individual, who was constantly reading books and had already published his own book. At that time he mentioned that although he reads a lot, he finds it hard to read, comprehend or keep engaged in scientific papers or publications. Paraphrasing, he thought that scientists lived in a bubble, writing only for each other and essentially ignoring the rest of the world. He was/is absolutely correct.
In particular, there were so many fascinating research, science and technology studies being published at a very high level, but these were not reaching the common person. Note, there are some selective studies being shared via newspapers and other media however they are only a needle in an ocean in regards to representing science. So, the question is, how do we make this scientific information available in a summarized and simple fashion to the “public”? In my opinion, it starts at an individual level. As a scientist and educator, I have to start with what I know, my own research and scientific publications.
Unfortunately, most scientists, professors, researchers cannot afford to do this. They cannot afford to spend the time nor the effort. Mainly because they are already stretched too thin with their occupation. This means the system has to be modified or adjusted to allow for this or somehow accommodate. Is this a realistic ask? As it stands, probably not. However this is something that we should think about. It is something that some are already trying to address.
Why is summarizing and simplifying science even necessary? Would not this be a waste of time and resources? How do we retain the depth and substance of scientific results all the while simplifying the delivery? The latter question was posed by my friend. These are valid questions and concerns. But we should look at the long term vision, goals and effects of communicating complicated science in a simple way. This would help shape the minds of the young, old, privileged and not so privileged.
Not everyone has to be a scientist but an informed and educated society is a healthy and productive society. An ill-informed and uneducated society leads to ignorance and potentially other bad attributes. Not to mention that scientific and technological advancement would halt, something our world is deeply dependent on.
With this said, I do not know the best answer to this. Although, I hope to follow my own advice. In the near future my goals will be to summarize and simplify complicated science (at least my research) in order to educate the average reader. Also, to reach more people as well as stimulate thoughts and ideas about future directions and research. Stay tuned for upcoming posts.
