I am a marine biologist by training and currently track coordinator of a track of courses on biodiversity, ecology, evolution and marine biology at University College Roosevelt. In addition, Itook a 6 months postgraduate science journalism program and have been working as a science journalist for years. I think it is immensely important that citizens in a democratic society are well informed on important scientific topics such as health, food, climate and environment.

Scientists are often not trained to communicate their science to a wider audience and often the practice is outsourced to professional   communicators.  Science communication does not play a role in scientific career development and is often looked down upon. I think this is a mistake. In this science-driven world, where people’s lives are increasingly being affected by scientific results, scientists have a responsibility to explain science. And not just that: in a world where science is increasingly under attack and scientific recommendations are denied or downplayed, scientists have a responsibility to stand up for science. That’s why I am in the process of setting up a science communication program at University College Roosevelt.