Science communication projects are designed to bridge the gap between science and ‘the public’, in order to make science more accessible and create greater understanding of how research contributes to our society. It creates trust in science and nurtures the next generation of scientists, and the exposure and can lead to collaborations, industry interest and funding opportunities.
So, as well as being a requirement attached to many grants and research budgets, outreach projects can have a massive impact on the researchers who invest in it. Therefore choosing the right outreach activity is important. And there is one medium that I believe is under-used by researchers. Podcasting has high returns and, if invested in properly, can be relatively easy to set up and run. Let me explain why:
Achieve your outreach goals by doing what you do best - talking about your work
If you are a researcher, talking about you science is what you love to do. You could probably do it all day, infact, your passion for your subject is what has driven you to choose this vocation and career path.
So naturally an outreach project that takes advantage of this passion is a win-win situation - win for you, getting the opportunity to communicate the fascinating aspects of your research, and win for the audience who crave interesting educational content.
No one knows your work better than you, so who is better placed to create a podcast about it?
The stress of outreach projects lies with the admin, logistics and planning involved. But the majority of these tasks can be outsourced - perhaps to a student with an interest in science communication, or, if you want a professional whose expertise in production and digital marketing you can lean on, hire a podcast manager to take on these tasks.
A podcast manager will handle all aspects of making a podcast that do not require the host. From editing and adding music to publishing and promotion, a podcast manager will run the show behind the scenes. Hiring a podcast manager with experience in science communication will mean they will work with you to structure the episode story, help you explain the science with clarity and give you ideas on how to illustrate the science and make it relatable to the audience.
You focus on explaining the work, and get a podcast manager to work on producing, editing, publishing and promoting your podcast.
An expert, with personality!
Through podcasting your can get your name, voice and explanation of your work - in your words - across to the audience. Through explaining deep concepts you can establish yourself as an expert in the mind of your listener.
Just as no one who knows your work like you do, there is a no one who has your personality and is able to tell the story of your work quite like you do. People buy into experts not just because of their research, number of papers published and grants won, but also because they have learnt to trust them, which is a direct result of spending time with the audience and building a relationship with them.
And there is no other medium that allows you to talk directly into your audiences head quite like a podcast. The relationship built with an audience interested in your work will open up opportunities and conversations that otherwise may not have been possible.
Build your reputation and influence
Creating a podcast is a great way to get your name out there and show people what makes your tick. Through consistent and engaging episodes and using digital tools to promote your podcast, you will build a following and strong reputation based on your expertise and stories you share.
Using the podcasting method, many have established themselves as a thought leader and authority in their field, by sharing their unique perspective. It has enables them to have greater impact in the scientific and business communites. With your research as the starting point, you can host pithy and bitesized conversations about your work, that are easy to digest and draw in an audience that will later delve deeper into the science.
These are just three of the big advantages to creating a podcast. The bottom line is it will open doors for those who invest in it. Why not find out how to get your podcast idea of the ground and into audio form by partnering with me as your podcast manager?
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