From the lab to the media: Scientist and journalist relations are strengthening, study finds.

Scientific researchers are starting to move out of the lab and into the media, as more researchers are recognizing the importance of public education and cooperation with the media.

Scientists are typically not given formal trained on communicating with those outside of academia. This often makes them hesitant to speak about their work outside of their inner circle, which only makes up less than 1% of the total global population. This sharing comes in the form of dense research publications for scientific journals. But in order to get their research to the other 99% of the population, scientists must join forces with journalists and other trained science communication experts.

While it may sound problematic, a recent study has reported that the willingness for scientist and journalist collaboration is stronger than ever. Moreover, scientists reported feeling as though they can converse and become involved in the media, creating more of a collaborative environment.

“It’s heartening to see that the two groups recognize that they are often aiming for the same goal,” said Dr. Laura Moorhead, a former journalist and current researcher at San Francisco State University.

Read more on the Civic Science Times

Gina Errico

Gina Errico worked with the Los Angeles Times as an AAAS mass media fellow in 2023. She completed her master’s degree in plant biology, which included the study of tree seedling survival in the tropical forests of Costa Rica. As a science communicator, Errico has spent the last several years working with communities and environmental non-profits to disseminate scientific findings to non-scientists through social media, news articles and public outreach.