When Science Speaks

What is the best way to set yourself up for success in the public square? Does it come down to knowing the right people or connecting to the right organization? Those strategies certainly help, but you should also consider cultivating a diversified skill set. Bringing her wealth of experience to this relevant topic is my guest, Chequeta Allen.

Were you aware that we know very little about the ocean floor? It's true! In fact, scientists have mapped more of the surface of the moon than the ocean floor! Part of the reason is, in many ways, its easier to observe the moon's surface than the ocean floor. Here to help get people excited about science and oceanography, in particular, is Dr. Dawn Wright.

Dr. Wright is a leading authority in the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to the field of ocean science. She has played a key role in creating the first GIS data model for the oceans. Dr. Wright is Chief Scientist of the Environmental Systems Research Institute (aka Esri). She has also been a professor of geography and oceanography at Oregon State University since 1995.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Dawn Wright.
• [3:45] Why the world's oceans are so important.
• [6:30] Is the use of emotion an effective way to connect people to scientific work?
• [9:10] How did Dr. Wright get interested in oceanography?
• [13:10] Why have we spent more time mapping the moon than the ocean?
• [19:00] How media, maps, and images help connect people to the ocean.
• [21:30] Improving science communication.
• [25:30] Spreading the power of science through maps.

Connect with Dr. Dawn Wright

• Follow Dr. Wright on Twitter
• Dr. Wright's website
• Let Science Speak

Resources & People Mentioned

• Dr. Alan Townsend's Story
• Dr. Walter Smith
• Dr. David Sandwell
• Dr. Jonathan Foley
• Compass
• American Geophysical Union: AGU
• Leopold Leadership Program

Why are oceans so important?

The ocean matters significantly to each person on the planet regardless if they live next to one or not. Oceans provide over half of the oxygen that we breathe, they also regulate our weather patterns. Unfortunately, oceanography doesn't get as much attention as other fields of science but it really does matter, we are talking about over 70% of the planet's surface! Thankfully, spirited leaders like Dr. Wright are doing everything they can to appeal to the public's sense of curiosity to explore this last frontier of discovery here in our own backyard.

One way Dr. Wright and her colleagues are working to get people excited about exploring the ocean floor is with the use of media and maps. Think back to when you were a kid and you came across a map, wasn't that exciting? That thrill of exploration and charting a path to undiscovered regions is innate most of us. Dr. Wright finds that when people see images and video of the amazing world that exists under the surface of the ocean, it really unlocks a level of excitement that interest that wasn't there before their exposure.

Let's get people excited about science!

Similar to Dr. Wright's approach to getting people excited about exploring the ocean floor, the campaign, Let Science Speak, brings the human element to the forefront of science studies. Let Science Speak started as a direct response to escalating efforts to suppress environmental science and silence scientists. Their campaign includes short films, podcasts, editorials, social content and more. I think you'll find this campaign beneficial and moving, make sure to check out the links some of the videos included in the resources section of this post!

Dr. Wright's work, campaigns like Let Science Speak, and organizations like Compass and the Leopold Leadership Program are already paying dividends. Conversations about science and its intersection with everyday concerns seem to be skyrocketing. Dr. Wright is encouraged by the efforts around science communication and she sees it a movement that is gaining substantial momentum. How will Dr. Wright's perspective impact your view of this subject?

Don't miss a minute of this intriguing episode of When Science Speaks featuring Dr. Wright's unique insights!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

Were you aware that we know very little about the ocean floor? It's true! In fact, scientists have mapped more of the surface of the moon than the ocean floor! Part of the reason is, in many ways, its easier to observe the moon's surface than the ocean floor. Here to help get people excited about science and oceanography, in particular, is Dr. Dawn Wright.

When was the last time you changed your opinion about something significant based on scientific facts? If you are anything like the average American, chances are you can't think of one! Does that mean scientific research and it's dissemination into the public square is unnecessary? Here to address this important question is Dr. Bruce Lewenstein.

Dr. Lewenstein is Professor of Science Communication and chair of the Department of Science & Technology Studies at Cornell University. Trained as a historian of science, he works across the field of public communication of science and technology, including informal science education, citizen science, and communication training for scientists. Dr. Lewenstein holds a Ph.D. in history and sociology of science from the University of Pennsylvania.

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:07] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Bruce Lewenstein.
• [2:30] Dr. Lewenstein discusses popular public opinion regarding scientific research.
• [5:20] Why is science so trusted in the public square?
• [7:30] Where did the term, "Public understanding of science" come from?
• [10:00] How to relate to those who deny scientific facts.
• [13:00] The distinction between a belief and a fact.
• [16:45] Why facts don't change people's attitudes.
• [20:30] Exploring the term, "Citizen Science."
• [30:10] The evolving relationship between science and the media.
• [34:30] Closing thoughts from Dr. Lewenstein.

Connect with Dr. Bruce Lewenstein

• Follow Dr. Lewenstein on Twitter
• Dr. Lewenstein's Bio
• Dr. Lewenstein on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned

• Randy Olson
• An Inconvenient Truth
• Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style
• Houston, We Have a Narrative: Why Science Needs Story
• Galaxy Zoo
• Carl Sagan
• Dance Your PhD

Why scientific facts are generally trusted.

Did you know that in recent years confidence in all professions, across the board has dropped? Even with that drop, consistently ranked at the top of the public's trust in any professional group are scientists and medical specialists. Between seventy and eighty percent of the public have a positive view of scientific research. What has allowed the scientific community to enjoy such broad appeal and support from the general public? Has the media conditioned everyone to blindly believe someone wearing a lab coat or with a Ph.D. behind their name?

There are two primary factors that contribute to the public's support for scientific research. The first factor is the clear benefit that science has on the lives of the average person, they get to enjoy the fruits of scientific research with the smartphone they hold in their hand! The second factor is the level of respect and deference that we collectively have for scientists in our society. When you look back at some of the most significant moments in our nation's history like the moon landing, you can clearly see the influence and impact of science.

How to reframe the conversation.

With so much broad support for the scientific community in general, why are so many individuals and people groups are rarely persuaded when presented with scientific facts? Dr. Lewenstein says that the primary cause for this obstinate reaction is the strong ties that people have to their communities. If an individual's tradition or culture has a narrative that refutes scientific facts, chances are, they'll side with their community due to their strong emotional and psychological bonds. What is the solution?

Don't waste your time hitting someone over the head, again and again with facts that prove your point, it won't get you anywhere! Instead, you've got to take the more challenging approach, relate to these individuals on a personal level. It's easy to lob "Scientific fact grenades," but it takes discipline and patience to explore and identify common ground. At the end of the day, Dr. Lewenstein is convinced that opinions will shift and public perception will change when people take the time to listen to each other instead of trying to prove a point with facts alone.

Discover out more from Dr. Lewenstein's expert perspective by listening to this informative episode!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

When was the last time you changed your opinion about something significant based on scientific facts? If you are anything like the average American, chances are you can’t think of one! Does that mean scientific research and it’s dissemination into the public square is unnecessary? Here to address this important question is Dr. Bruce Lewenstein.

One of the most relevant and controversial topics in our society today is the intersection of politics and science. Many automatically assume that this topic is geared exclusively toward environmental concerns but the truth is, the intersection of these two important fields is much larger than that. Here to shed some light on this complex and timely topic is Dr. Yvette Seger.

Early on in higher education, Dr. Seger was drawn to policy and politics, but also to horses, so she converged her passions by double majoring in Zoology and Politics at Ohio Wesleyan. Dr. Seger went on to graduate school at Stony Brook University and then to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) where she pursued doctoral training in genetics. Currently, Dr. Seger serves as the Director of Science Policy at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).

What You'll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

• [1:30] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Yvette Seger.
• [3:30] Dr. Seger talks about her passion for politics and zoology.
• [6:00] What is the role of politics in science?
• [10:30] The value of negotiating and losing the battle to win the war.
• [13:30] Why scientists should care about politics and advocacy.
• [17:00] Tenacity is required to succeed in scientific advocacy.
• [19:45] Dr. Seger shares some of the resources available with FASEB.
• [23:50] What does Dr. Seger do day to day in her role as the Science Policy director?
• [29:00] Dr. Seger talks about meeting with legislators.

Connect with Dr. Yvette Seger

• Take a look at Dr. Seger's work with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
• Follow Dr. Seger on Twitter

Explaining the role of politics in science

Should scientists stay out of politics? Is there a way for science to stay neutral when it comes to political discussions? According to Dr. Seger, the answer is a resounding, "No." She doesn't advocate for scientists to become partisan, rather, she wants to inform fellow scientists and the general public about the role of politics in scientific research. This is particularly relevant when it comes to funding, most scientific research and institutions rely on federal funding to stay solvent.

While it may seem like a public relations choreographed event, the truth is, when you see politicians visit research labs, it's often at the request of the scientists who run the operation. The goal here is to help representatives of Congress get a "boots on the ground" look at why federal funding is so important and to see how public funds are being used to make meaningful scientific advancements. These scientists and researchers would be foolish to ignore the intersection of politics and science as it would dramatically impact the effectivity of their work.

Losing the battle to win the war.

One of the complicated aspects of the relationship between politics and science is the fact that politics tend to be more impassioned and messy where science is data-driven. In order to make these two important institutions of our society work together, scientists like Dr. Seger have to lead the way in finding compromises to move vital policy forward. Encouraging her team, Dr. Seger uses the metaphor, "You have to lose the battle to win the war," the lesson being, a strategic approach is often more effective than being right.

What does it take for a scientist to thrive in the realm of policy and advocacy? According to Dr. Seger, it comes down to two very important traits, problem-solving and tenacity. These two traits are, in many ways, "baked in" to the role of a scientist. At a base level, science is all about identifying and solving problems. In the course of problem-solving, roadblocks are going to emerge and setbacks are going to take place, this is where tenacity comes in. When deployed skillfully, these traits are immensely valuable when it comes to engaging with politicians who don't usually see things in a data-driven manner.

To hear more about Dr. Seger's worthwhile efforts as the Director of Science Policy at FASEB, make sure to listen to this engaging episode of When Science Speaks!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks

• The When Science Speaks webstie
• https://bayerstrategic.com/
• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/
• On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

One of the most relevant and controversial topics in our society today is the intersection of politics and science. Many automatically assume that this topic is geared exclusively toward environmental concerns but the truth is, the intersection of these two important fields is much larger than that. Here to shed some light on this complex and timely topic is Dr. Yvette Seger.