Scientists go “social” in communicating science webinar
Scientists and researchers got social and “magnetized” during a recent webinar organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute as a pre-National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) offering last 18 November 2021.
In this latest edition of the Science Journo Ako webinar titled “#ScienceJournoAko: Be Social and Get Noticed! Converting Scientists into Media Magnets,” former TV patrol reporter and science communicator Kristine Sabillo shared her knowledge on how scientists and researchers can build a niche as a multimedia personality using interesting stories, compelling visuals, and informative contents. The webinar also tackled the importance of effectively communicating science and its importance in reaching broader audiences to contextualize information that are more relatable and understandable to its intended audience.
Surprisingly, although science information is readily available to the public in various forms, many people still finds this daunting. Moreover, with the rise of misinformation and various unreliable sources of news especially on COVID-19, people are now in search for popular platforms where they can easily get information on the topics that they are interested on. Similarly, the rise of Tiktok viral videos by numerous medical practitioners have made information more accessible but still subject to further verification and discretion.
Sabillo underscored the need for the scientists to use the digital media to be able to reach and educate the public. She emphasized that scientists should consider sharing their studies on social media because it can encourage young Filipinos to become interested in science. Likewise, it can correct misinformation by providing facts that are verifiable.
By creatively engaging in this kind of platform, Sabillo explained, this can also be a way to make people realize the importance of protecting the environment, make people appreciate lesser known science, and help people understand the importance of investing in this field.
Sabillo reminded the participants to be creative and precise at the same time.
And in closing, she encouraged scientists and researchers to “keep on practicing and improving your skills in communicating science” to reach more listeners and followers who can also be future allies.
The 2021 NSTW is happening on 22-28 November through various virtual platforms. Various technology exhibits, webinars, e-learning sessions, and other virtual activities are open to the general public. To know more on the various NSTW activities, log-on to NSTW website at http://nstw.dost.gov.ph/, or check-out the NSTW official Facebook page at NSTWDOST.(By Rachel R. Perez, DOST-STII)
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