It’s the end of the year, so it must be time for the annual enema editorial about why scientists must do more to engage the public.

The people who write and publish these things, don’t you realize you’ve already lost?

At least the authors have got the uni system figured out by writing a paper on the topic – which will get them P&T points — rather than actually doing it, which counts for nothing.

mBio vol. 6 no. 6 e01989-15

Erika C. Shugart, Vincent R. Racaniello

http://mbio.asm.org/content/6/6/e01989-15.full

Abstract

Scientists must communicate about science with public audiences to promote an understanding of complex issues that we face in our technologically advanced society. Some scientists may be concerned about a social stigma or “Sagan effect” associated with participating in public communication. Recent research in the social sciences indicates that public communication by scientists is not a niche activity but is widely done and can be beneficial to a scientist’s career. There are a variety of approaches that scientists can take to become active in science communication.