Synopsis

Engaging with the public is vital to ensure trust in science. It can improve our research and our communication skills, and also be rewarding and fun. To best engage, we need to identify who we are engaging with and ensure that our message and our method match that audience.

Why engage with the public?

• It’s our responsibility: Many of us are paid by the public, who can rightly expect that we communicate our findings with them. If we don’t explain our science, then other narratives can take root.
• For the future of our field: Many of us were inspired by seeing and hearing about science in action and if we want to see our field diversify, we need to get outside our institutions.
• It makes our science better: When we engage, we get a better idea about what really matters to people, which can lead to new ideas and help ensure that our science serves the population.
• It makes us better communicators: Explaining our science to a wider audience helps us shape our message, which is invaluable in our paper and grant writing.
• Can be enjoyable and rewarding: It can be really motivating to see others being interested in our work and can give us a personal connection with those who benefit from our science.

Who are we engaging with?

• There are many different audiences: Those we might engage with have a wide variety of scientific literacy, motivation, interest and opportunity and it is vital we decide which audience we are aiming to reach at any one time.
• The message should match the audience: Often it is more valuable that the audience take away a single, straightforward message than be left unable to grasp a more complete description of our research.
• The method should match the audience: Most audiences don’t actively seek out science, but may be attracted if the method, location, and tone of the communication is one that they feel comfortable with. Whilst online engagement has the potential to have very large reach, the internet is very crowded, and we may not get the audience we hope for.
• Partnerships increase our reach: Museums, patient interest groups and educational charities are skilled at reaching their audience, and genuine partnerships can offer huge benefits on both sides.

How do I get started?

• Take the opportunities: If opportunities come up, such as to speak at a school or take part in a science festival then just give it a go. Don’t be worried that you don’t know all the answers – it is okay to show that scientists are human.
• Work with someone else: A colleague, perhaps from a different discipline, can help you shape your message and provide encouragement to pursue new opportunities.
• Take part in ‘Magnetic Moments’: This ISMRM competition is a great way to present your research for a wider audience and watch how others do the same.

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