Using the amazing #Thread on #HiddenCurriculum, I would like to narrate a brief story on #SocialAspectOfScience, which I wish & hope #AcademicTwitter would pay more attention to it.

Issue of paying more attention to #AcademicCelebrity (ies).

During most important international conferences in subjects that I follow, I have noticed world–renowned scientists (by their articles' impact, citation, # of publications, affiliation, scientific explorations) who are "unknown faces" to the eyes of the conference participants

At least to eyes of a sample of participants whom I have been in contact with during the event or I have got the chance to know them... (this sample is #biased of course toward more junior researchers, while the issue being discussed here still remains)

I even did some little (non honourable) experiments by asking those close to me (mostly Early Career Researchers, #PhDs & #Postdocs):

"Do you know that person passing by?!"

Hearing: "hmm, No". I would reply: "Come on, s/he is ..., author of ..., whom has done ..."

Them: "wow"

Saw #keynotespeaker(s) who were not being noticed, by people out of their closer contacts, right up to the minutes before they gave their brilliant talk, who brought "wow face" to most of audience!

This proves to me that we need to praise our #academiccelebrity (ies) more.

No?

I have fought my strong desire/temptation to walk up to a #academiccelebrity and simply say, "I have been following your publications on ..., I AM A BIG FAN", simply because I was thinking not to bother them, not to disturb their peaceful joy of being in this conference/event

While, different kind of survey results come out saying #academics (PhDs, Seniors too?) are under mental, work, and life pressures. #academics need to ease it up a bit on themselves. #HyperCompetition mantra, #PublishOrPerish

We need to pay attention to #SocialAspectOfScience

What I am trying to say: it happens regularly that people praise #celebrities. Walk up to them. Smiling, waving, shouting, pointing cameras at them. Simply by "knowing their faces". While #academiccelebrity (ies) are probable to be unfamiliar faces.

We need to #recognize them!