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With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility-A Personal Philosophy for Communicating Science in Society
1Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P SC2, Canada; Human Discovery Science, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada; Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada; School of Exercise Science, Physical, & Health Education, University of Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada; Zanshin Consulting Inc., Victoria, British Columbia V8P 5C2, Canada.
Abstract:
Many think that communicating science is a necessary and rewarding activity. Yet finding compelling, relevant, and timely points of linkage between challenging scientific concepts and the experiences and interests of the general public can be difficult. Since science continues to influence more and more aspects of daily life and knowledge, there is a parallel need for communication about science in our society. Here I discuss the "middle-ground hypothesis" using popular culture for science communication and applying the "FUNnel model," where popular culture is used as a lead-in and wrap-up when discussing science. The scientific knowledge we find in our hands does not belong to us-we just had it first. We can honor that knowledge best by sharing it as widely as possible using the most creative means at our disposal.
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