changing norms for science outreach --- @Vid - I agree with you that the consequences of effective science communication are on full display as we struggle with vaccine hesitancy, continued denials about the realities of climate change, and more. That said, I would push back slightly on the idea that scientists are reluctant to engage with those outside the scientific community. At least in the US academic system, scientific outreach was not as valued a part of having a scientific career as a professor or researcher as other elements of the job like publishing and teaching. If anything, outreach was seen as a risk because it was taking time away from research and exposing one's self to criticism and misinterpretation. Hopefully younger generations of up and coming scientists can help revive the idea of the respected "public intellectual", and I agree that social media giving researchers a platform to do so can be a huge help for reaching an audience.

Source author: Ryan Haupt ryan.haupt@nysf.com