In science communication, I often focus on facts, figures and breakthrough discoveries. But what happens when we look beyond the data and turn our attention to the people behind the research? What happens when we turn science into a story that stirs emotions and inspires curiosity?
Jonathan Franzen, in a passage from his foreword to the Spark Birds anthology published by Orion, offers a fascinating insight into this topic.
“We cannot force a reader to care about nature. All we can do is tell stories about people who care and hope that care is contagious.”
Beyond results
This statement made me reflect more on how we, as researchers and science communicators, present our work. We are often tempted to focus exclusively on outcomes and implications. But Franzen suggests a different approach: putting people and their passion first.
I really like Jonathan Franzen. I am fascinated by his extraordinary ability to build complex and believable characters. Each of his protagonists seems to come to life, with all their contradictions and nuances. I often wonder what science communication would look like if we applied the same attention to detail and psychological depth to presenting researchers and their motivations.
Imagine that instead of just presenting the results of a climate change study, you told the story of the researcher who spent months in the Arctic, away from her family, battling extreme conditions to collect crucial data. Or consider the impact of describing the excitement of a young PhD student who, after countless sleepless nights in the lab, makes an unexpected discovery in the field of cell biology.
These personal stories have the power to transform abstract scientific information into something tangible and moving. They create an empathetic connection between the reader and the scientific subject, making the information easier to remember and understand.
The power of personal stories
Although I frequently write about complex research and discoveries, I often receive emails from readers who are more curious about the researchers themselves than the technical details of their studies. People want to know what inspired these scientists, what a typical day in their lives looks like, what challenges they face.
What was your spark?
If you are a researcher and want to communicate your work more effectively, here are some practical suggestions:
- Include your personal story: Explain what led you to study this field. What was the "spark" that ignited your passion for science?
- Describe the process, not just the results: Talk about failures, about moments of frustration, but also about the joy of discovery. These details make science more accessible and humane.
- Use analogies and metaphors: Connect complex scientific concepts to everyday experiences that anyone can understand.
- Cultivate empathy: Show how your research affects people's lives. Make the connection between abstract data and its concrete impact on the world.
- Be authentic: Don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm and passion. Genuine excitement is contagious and can inspire others to take an interest in your field of study.
Returning to Franzen's point, the power to make people care about science is not necessarily in the data we present, but in how we present it. By sharing our stories, the passion and curiosity that drives us, we can create an emotional connection with our audience. And perhaps, as Franzen suggests, this concern for science will become contagious.
Original source of ideas by Jonathan Franzen
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