In Brains Matter’s continuing series on science communication, I talk to Steve Mirsky, a journalist and author, editor at Scientific American, and podcast host about various aspects of science communication and the perception of science in the public. Topics we discuss include:
- Steve’s background
- The changing view of science by the public
- Stereotypes of scientists
- The modern take in television and movies of a scientist
- Gilligans Island
- Sports v Science
- Perceptions of the Nobel Prize
- Various strategies to get people interested in science
- The IgNobel Prizes
- The differences in science being communicated in print and through new media
- Some fun science stories
- How do we get children more interested in science at a younger age?
- What is a science story?
- The false objectivity of non-science media when they report on science stories
- A discussion on climate change as an example
- The reliance people have on science and engineering
- The funding of science compared to other areas due to a lack of political will and public apathy
- Some great science communicators
Today’s listener of the episode is Joshua Weisskopf.
This is part 1 of an interview with Steve – keep an eye out for part 2 in the next episode.
(Keep an ear out for an out-take from this episode!)
Download MP3 of Ep 131
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