Science is essential to society. It helps us to better understand the world around us and solve complex and impactful problems, such as fisheries and coral reef declines, changes in ocean circulation, and climate change. But if the results of scientific study are kept within the walls of academia or the scientific community, its value is diminished, distrust and misunderstandings are created, and the spread of misinformation is fostered. In the long-term, if science is not used to improve the quality of life, make people safer and more secure, protect the ecosystems we depend on and foster understanding and knowledge among the world’s citizens, it leads to a lack of investment and trust in science.
As an ocean scientist and citizen, I fully support investment in science, but for too long, communications, education, and outreach have been the poor stepchild to research. Budgets for efforts to disseminate science, effectively engage users and stakeholders, and make data understandable and usable for the public and decision-makers have historically been minuscule as compared to research. Millions of dollars are also spent each year publishing science in journals and holding scientific conferences and workshops. Scientists are often judged and promoted based on their publication record. Only recently have some universities begun to even consider outreach as a valuable component of academic work. While there are more efforts today to engage the public and bring science and data to the masses, they are nowhere near what is needed.
If science is really for society, significant investment is desperately needed to bring it outside the confines of the scientific community. We need to invest in trusted sources of science that can engage and work with broader audiences, communities, and create vehicles to integrate science and data into everyday life. Making data and research results usable, easily accessible, entertaining, and understandable by non-scientists and decision makers takes major funding, not just lip service.
We cannot wait; there’s too much at stake. Investment now is critical to rebuild trust and make science the underpinning by which we live in a healthy, happy, and prosperous society on a thriving mostly-ocean planet. Who will make the investment remains a large and looming question.
About The Author
Ellen Prager PhD is a marine scientist, author, aquanaut, on-air ocean expert, consultant, and chief scientist for StormCenter Communications. To learn more about her (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-prager-5932824b) and some of her projects go to: https://www.agci.org/projects/stormcenter-communications.