The Cosmic Pathfinders Program

Cosmic Pathfinder Activities

How Do You “SciComm”? Science Communication in the World of Social Media

Friday, May 31, 2024, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Featured Panelists:

• Dr. Raven Baxter (Director of Science Communication, Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)
• Elizabeth Tammi (Hubble Space Telescope Social Media Lead, NASA/GSFC)
• Courtney Lee (Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Social Media Lead, NASA/GSFC)
• Dr. Ronald Gamble (Director, Cosmic Pathfinders Program, NASA/GSFC)

Description:
In a digital world ruled by connectivity, trending topics, and the speed of information, science communication has transformed from Popular Mechanics magazine clippings of old to twitter threads and YouTube channels gain millions of impressions. Science communication today has taken many forms from social media engagement and content creators to giving prize talks at international conferences. This panel discussion invites attendees to learn from preeminent communicators about the different forms of science communication and where each one is most effective in specific settings (social media, conferences, public outreach, etc.). Panelists will share their strategies and wisdom on “How do you SciComm?,” giving insights for early-career scientists to use in their own work in and outside of the classroom or research environ-ment.

Tentative Format

• Introductions
• Panel discussion on science communication in the world of social media
  • How do you “SciComm”?
  • Different types of science communication (digital content, conference talks/posters, journalism, public engagement, etc.)
  • Techniques for effective science communication.
  • Audience questions
• Short breakout rooms discussion
  • Mini breakout sessions to practice what participants have gained from the discussions. Rooms are led by panelists and will focus on crafting a 250-character response (tweet) to a proposed question that aligns with panelists expertise.
• Share breakout room results
• Adjourn