1/

Still amazes me that some principal investigators (PIs) and leaders can write whole pages on their grants proposing “outreach activities” but haven’t moved a finger to educate the public when it is mostly needed.

A short thread…
2/

It’s no secret that most PIs have always criticized their trainees for doing science communication as they consider it to be “distracting” to the trainee’s scientific development. Trainees rarely (if ever) receive encouragement or support to develop this skills, at any level.
3/

Now we are faced with a real example as to why SciComm is so important for all of us. When we are faced with the many challenges of communicating to the world AND making sure the correct message is received. The challenge of equalizing the field for everyone.
4/

I can only hope that, after this is over, more PIs become aware of the value that SciComm training has (and will continue to have) in the development of their trainees. We all have different styles that will reach different audiences. Let your trainees find their voices.
5/

Don’t know how? Help them find workshops, conferences, and activities to learn these skills. At the very list, don’t penalize them for attending these when you are okay with them going to a coding workshop. Listen to your trainees’ goals and desires. We need their voices.
6/

PIs: stop relying on your classic “i’ll bring students from underrepresented groups to the lab for a week” strategy on your grants. Think outside the box, this is what you have always done anyway, and get trainees (and their creativity) involved. Do more, we need you now.
7/

To universities: the world is changing. The way in which a graduate degree — based on coursework, research, grant writing, and more research — continues to be judged needs to evolve and incorporate these skills. There are many ways to incorporate these if you are creative.
8/

To ALL scientists (no matter your degrees) who educate the public day after day knowing there is no monetary value or a medal on your tenure package on the other side for doing this: THANK YOU.

I am only hoping for change. I am only asking for support.
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