In remarks given at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s 25th Anniversary Symposium, the Honorable John Edward Porter made an observation that bears repeating. He noted, “While I realize that scientists by nature often feel uncomfortable with advocacy, if we all stayed within our comfort zones, little would be accomplished. Though perhaps they are not well understood, scientists are highly respected in our society. They are also highly credible. When they speak with a unified voice, the people listen.”
The American public values research that produces greater health and continued economic prosperity for our nation’s citizenry, but, too often, they do not know where this research is conducted, who conducts this research or how to talk to those individuals. Being a “citizen scientist” is easier than is generally believed and its time has come.
Those doing research have made a difference in the annals of science and in the lives of countless individuals. Now, though, the opportunity to make a difference extends beyond the laboratory. Now, the opportunity to be heard as never before is apparent in Congress, in the media, in your state legislatures and in your local communities. Now is the time for you, the scientist, to speak out!
Why now? Because taxpayers and their elected representatives have every right to hold the scientists who are supported with their dollars accountable for recent large increases.
Why now? Because the Office of Management and Budget is talking about dropping increases for research funding at the National Institutes of Health in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2003, to a mere two percent, chilling current research and essentially eliminating any new research.
Why now? Because opponents of somatic cell nuclear transfer, a.k.a. “therapeutic cloning,” could very well prevail in their effort to outlaw such research—if not this year, then next.
Why now? Because elected representatives continue to tell us that they only very rarely hear from individual members of the science community.
Why now? Because fewer than 40 percent of the adults in this country can name a single place where research is conducted.
Why now? Because the nation is deeply concerned about security and protection. Science and scientists can and must provide answers.
So, how do we achieve greater public awareness and understanding of research and researchers who provide hope for future preventions, treatments, and cures, not to mention sustained economic prosperity? Quite simply, by talking about research! As Porter and countless other members of Congress tell us, it is extremely important for researchers to engage in public outreach with nonscientists in their local communities, yet we know this is easier said than done. In public opinion polling conducted in partnership with Sigma Xi, the scientific honorary society, Research!America affirmed what we’ve been hearing anecdotally for years. Scientists say they are not involved in outreach for two primary reasons: 1) they do not know how to become involved, and 2) they do not have time to participate in outreach activities. Additionally, in focus groups, researchers tell us that they often choose not to talk about their work with neighbors, friends, and others who are not part of the research community because they feel those people are not interested in science or are hostile to it. All these barriers to outreach need to be overcome, if as a community, we are to sustain research as a very high national priority.
Getting Involved
When scientists make the effort to engage in conversation with nonscientists using nonscientific language, they are often pleasantly surprised at the outcome. For years, I have been telling the story about a researcher who took to heart my suggestions regarding science outreach. This particular researcher was flying back from a presentation and wanted only to do some writing and get home. When a fellow passenger inquired about the nature of his work, his instinct was to ignore him and continue writing. Then he remembered my words: “When someone asks you what you do, respond by saying, ‘I work for you.’” He became engaged in a wonderful conversation with his fellow passenger. The relationship that developed from that single conversation resulted in the provision of two endowed chairs supporting his research! Of course, not all conversations with nonscientists will have this same outcome, but almost all of these conversations will make you feel better about the work you do in the public interest. Saying that you, as a scientist, serve the public interest is the single most important message you can convey.
Finding the Time
Finding the time to participate in outreach may be the toughest of all challenges to overcome. However, outreach to your elected officials, family, neighbors and other beneficiaries of research does not have to take much time. For example, in only two minutes and with only four clicks of your mouse, you can send a letter to your elected representatives in Congress, urging them to support strong funding increases for medical and health research (visit us online at http://www.researchamerica.org). Another way to fight the time crunch is to develop your “30 second advocacy pitch” to use after you’ve initiated that conversation with, “I work for you.” The “30 second advocacy pitch” is a half-minute snapshot of why your research is important to the health of the nation’s citizenry and why the public should support that research. Practice your “30 second advocacy pitch” while driving to the office or walking to get lunch. Be sure to use non-scientific language and make it exciting to the non-scientist. Try it out on your family and friends and see how they respond when they discover that you are working on research that may one day bring better health to their children and grandchildren.
Draw on your affiliations with professional societies and advocacy organizations to help you craft messages and deliver them in a timely manner. For example, have you recently seen a story in your local newspaper that deserves a response? Let your professional society help with the wording and process of getting a letter to the editor written and sent. And be sure to call on Research!America for assistance with time-tested messages about the value of research to health and the economy. Asking for assistance from the professional societies you belong to or from organizations that specialize in crafting these types of advocacy messages is helping everyone advocate for research.
Heightening the Public’s Interest in Science
Many scientists believe that the public has little interest in science. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, data from the National Science Board’s Science and Engineering Indicators notes that nine out of every 10 adults in the United States say they are very or moderately interested in new scientific discoveries and the use of new inventions and new technologies. And a public opinion poll, conducted by the Newseum in late 1999, showed the public ranking science very high, placing five stories about scientific research in their list of the top 25 news stories of the century.
Additionally, in Research!America’s 2001 polls, strong public support for research is crystal clear. Seventy percent of American citizens said they support a proposal to double the federal investment in medical and health research—up from 43 percent in 1996. The public is not just responding in an idealistic fashion; rather, they are responding with the hope they have in science. For example, in focus groups conducted by Research!America, one participant said, “I believe in basic research, because I believe in possibilities.” As scientists, you are the advocates not only for research, but for the better health and future possibilities anticipated by the public.
Today, more than ever, science is on the American public’s radar screen. The attacks of September 11 and anthrax-related incidents thereafter have stimulated the country to look for new ways to protect our nation, not only from disease and disability, but from threats of terrorism as well. Research!America’s polls show the public strongly believes that scientists can help find the answers, as nearly 90 percent of those polled said the role of scientific research is “extremely or very important” in US efforts to prepare for and respond to biological and chemical terrorism.
Members of the public value the research that brings improved health, better quality of life and continued economic prosperity for all citizens. There is no better time than the present for scientists to speak up and help the public understand the scientist’s role in protecting the nation.