Science communication is one of the best, most underused tools we have to tackle public health issues.
False information spreads quickly in the age of social media. This has never been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic. To counter misinformation we need scientists to engage with the media, which can be a daunting prospect.
Scientists aren’t usually taught how to talk to the public or how to make our research relatable. It is a skill that takes practice.
Over the past year I have taken part in hundreds of media appearances and outreach events. I have learnt a lot and would like to share a few tips with anyone that would like to get involved with science communication. Lindsay grew up on the north coast of Northern Ireland where her love of science began by exploring rock pools.
She obtained a BSc(Hons) degree in Biomedical Science in 2011 from Queen’s University and then completed a PhD in Prof Ultan Power’s lab to study respiratory virus infection using a newly developed airway model. The work from her PhD led to Lindsay being awarded the Microbiology Society’s Young Microbiologist of the Year prize.
Lindsay has since used her knowledge of respiratory viruses and airway cells to work on projects involving asthma, influenza and most recently Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Lindsay is currently a Wellcome Trust ISSF Research Fellow within the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine. Alongside her research, Lindsay is actively engaged with teaching, mentorship and science outreach. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
