​A lifetime in science communication

Technically, I’ve been a science communicator even longer than I’ve been a scientist. My first experience of science communication was aged 16 when I supported my chemistry teacher’s science fairs for local primary schools. Each volunteer worked with a group of students to carry out different experiments and learn about pressure, endothermic reactions and chromatography. One of my main memories was of the Big Bug Show, where the social status of the students seemed to be dictated by how many insects your volunteer would eat on stage (pro tip: always swallow, never chew!).

Ant-eating aside, I had such a good time watching the students learn new techniques and concepts that I carried on volunteering even after I’d left school. Aged 18, I joined the NHS as a trainee biomedical scientist and have spent the last 16 years volunteering for any science communication opportunity that came my way.

The highlights so far

There have been far too many highlights in 18 years of science communication to fit them all here and I am certain there will be many more to come. In 2018 I joined the Royal College of Pathologists at Highclere Castle (better known on TV as Downton Abbey) for the Blood and Bugs event, setting up an army hospital tent outside the grounds to demonstrate the differences in pathology testing between 1918 and 2018.

In 2020 I successfully applied for a place on the Showoff Talent Factory, a year-long research communication and performance development programme. Through this scheme I have had the opportunity to speak at New Scientist Live, have been flown to Galway to speak at Bright Club Ireland and have performed enough paid stand-up comedy that I’m now a member of Equity. Although if I’m entirely honest, it still feels like the biggest joke is that I’m a professional comedian.

I still do a significant number of school talks and careers fairs because it’s a simple and effective way to speak to students and raise the profile of scientific careers in the NHS. Since 2020 I’ve also been an Enterprise Advisor where I work directly with schools to develop their STEM careers programmes.

Receiving recognition

I am incredibly proud to have received formal recognition for my science communication activities. In April 2021 I won the Red Zone of the I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here competition, where 725 students voted for me as their favourite scientist of the month. And in September 2022 I was awarded the Royal College of Pathologists 2022 Science Communication Prize.

But these aren’t the only pieces of recognition that I value. The thank you cards from the students I worked with at the science fairs 18 years ago are still in my office and I keep a folder of feedback from events I’ve taken part in. In some ways a thank you card from an individual you helped directly is worth more than a national award from a judging panel who have never met you.

Starting your own science communication story

Firstly, I will point out that what worked for me will not necessarily work for everyone. I signed up to do a science-themed stand-up comedy show without any skills or experience and shaking at the thought of public speaking. Generally, it’s better to push gently at the walls of your comfort zone rather than shatter them completely.

Secondly, science communication is like all other areas of science – it’s a field that requires skills and knowledge. I would recommend that anyone attempting to develop their science communication starts by looking at some of the published research. The  is fully open access and so easily accessible. And there are lots of training courses available to learn from.

Thirdly, you don’t need to dive into science communication with a brand new project of your own (in fact I’d recommend against it until you’ve had some experience). Join a well-established scheme such as the I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here programme, and apply to be a STEM Ambassador where you can search for events local to you.

And finally, remember to have fun!