Traditional scientific training prepares scientists to communicate effectively within academia – at conferences or in journals, for example – but does not typically extend that training to communicating with the media or the public. It can be intimidating to share your research with the wider world, or seem not worth the time, effort, and preparation. But consider the following:
Responding to Calls
Journalists usually work on tight deadlines, sometimes as short as a few hours. This timeline means that when you receive a call or email from a journalist, it is important to respond quickly. If you are not available for an interview within their time frame – or if you don’t respond at all – journalists are more likely to search for another expert or story than to postpone their deadline to accommodate you.
That being said, it is okay to take a little time to prepare. When reporters call or email you, ask for basic information about their story and set up a time to call them back. Helpful things to know include:
Often, reporters will want to interview you about research that will soon be published in a journal. If this is the case, make sure they are aware of the journal’s embargo policy and will not publish their stories until the embargo lifts.
Preparing for an Interview
So you’ve scheduled an interview with a journalist. Next, gather your thoughts on the topic of interest and craft them into 2-3 key messages – brief, specific points you’d like to make about your science and why it is important. Be prepared with details to support and further describe your key messages.
Besides outlining the points you want to share, it is important to be prepared for questions. Be ready to talk about:
If you are nervous, practice! General tips:
During the Interview
After the Interview
After the interview, follow these tips to make sure your story is told as accurately as possible:
Note that reporters will rarely let you see or edit articles prior to publication. However, if there is a serious error in the final piece, follow up with a polite correction.
American Scientist (2015). 12 tips for scientists writing for the general public.
Genes to Genomes (2015). Tips for scientists talking to the media.
Sense about Science (2012). Standing up for science: A guide to the media for early career scientists.
The Plainspoken Scientist (September 2011). Scientists: Meet the journalists.
AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science & Technology. Strategies for working for reporters.
American Geophysical Union. You and the media: A few useful tips to keep in mind.
American Psychological Association. Frequently asked questions about working with the media.
American Psychological Association. How to work with the media.
National Association of Science Writers. Communicating science news: A guide for public information officers, scientists and physicians.
Muin J. Khoury et al. (May/June 2000). Challenges in communicating genetics: A public health approach. Genetics in Medicine.
Public information officers (PIOs), also known as press officers, facilitate interaction between scientists and journalists. They generally work in your institution’s news or communications office. Their duties include:
If you expect (or would like to encourage) media interest in some aspect of your work, such as an upcoming journal publication, give your press officer a heads-up. If the work is of interest, he or she will ask you more about it and possibly draft a press release or other material for the media, which you will have the opportunity to review.
These discussions with press officers at your own institution can be great practice for interviews with reporters, and may help you focus your key messages to resonate with the public.
Nature International Journal of Science (2018). How to work with your institution’s press office to maximize the reach of your work.
The Scientist (2015). Know your PIO.
American Geophysical Union (2004). Working with your public information office.
National Association of Science Writers. Public information officers as intermediaries.
If you have research you’re excited to share with the media or the public, there’s no need to wait for them to come to you.
ASHG is a member of the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) peer network, a grassroots group of organizations that share the goal of improving public understanding of science and its value to society. A key objective is to build bridges among its participants, creating new forums for communication and developing new partnerships for engaging the public in science education.
Brown University Science Center (May 2014). Quick guide to science communication.
AAAS Annual Meeting 2014. (February 2014). Video: Communicating science seminar.
European Molecular Biology Organization. (September 2012). Communicate your science – Five tips to boost your career.
AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science & Technology. Communication 101: Communication basics for scientists and engineers.
Social Issues Research Centre (UK) (November 2001). Guidelines on science and health communication.