Empathy Holds the Power to Humanize Science

Scientific communication, or SciCom, plays a critical role in connecting the scientific community with the general public, translating complex research into easily comprehensible and accessible communication material. This content appears in the media, marketing, and real-life conversations. Without it, much of the knowledge scientists have discovered would remain unknown to most of us.

However, despite its vital role in advancing worldwide education, scientists often face obstacles in sharing their findings. These include the challenge of distilling complex terminology, moving beyond specialized jargon, and, externally, overcoming a disconnect felt by the public, who may perceive experts as inaccessible or aloof. Ultimately, both sides—the scientific community and the general public—need more compassion and understanding toward each other if we are to achieve a world with greater scientific literacy.

Environmental justice through public education

The educational division of the public and scientific communities can first be observed as early as the 18^th century, when scientific discoveries were largely disseminated through exhibits, fairs, journals, and academia, typically only accessible to the wealthy. Today, while socioeconomic barriers in this field have reduced, other forms of inaccessibility remain. Research papers are often hidden behind paywalls and, even when accessible, few professionals are trained to break down complex scientific jargon effectively.