Interesting article by Nancy Baron in the journal Nature which makes a passionate case for why scientists should engage with journalists.This is a familiar theme for Baron, who recently published an excellent book on the subject of scientists talking to the media: Escape from the Ivory Tower, a guide to making your science work. I've spoken at a number of her training events in the US. When it comes to turning media-shy scientists into confident speakers, she is really at the top of her tree.
I can't read the article on Nature but I get the gist.
ReplyDeleteI've been struck by Judith Curry's posts on verification and validation of climate models. By interacting with scientists outside the ivory tower via her blog, she has developed completely new ideas about V&V, in particular realising that the view in the ivory tower that V&V of models is not possible is incorrect.
Escaping the ivory tower is not about speaking to the press or setting down one's thoughts in a blog. It's about dealing with people outside academia and realising that they have much to teach those on the inside.