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  Twitter as a channel to communicate your science

Many of the talks at the North American Congress for Conservation Biology, held in Madison, Wisconsin from July 17-20, have emphasized the need for scientists to better connect with public audiences. We need science communication that is accessible and accurate, making it valuable for scientists to be communicators whenever they can. 

Why I love Twitter for science & communication

Do you think of Twitter as a place of trivia, where people broadcast their pizza order as if it were front-page news?  If you answered yes, I encourage you to reconsider. It’s true that some use Twitter to share every inconsequential thing that enters their minds. More than once, an acquaintance of mine really did tweet which pizza he ordered to watch a football game; I stopped following him. I value Twitter because I find it to be a font of information on science, conservation, and science communication, as well as a springboard for interaction among those interested in these topics.

Science communication headlines upcoming Conservation Biology Congress

As misunderstanding of, misinformation about, and disregard for science increases, the need for more effective science communication grows daily. I’m delighted that the North American section of the Society for Conservation Biology has chosen the timely topic of science communication as the focus of its upcoming Congress.

Communicating Science for Conservation Action is the theme of the North American Congress for Conservation Biology (NACCB 2016), which takes place July 17-20, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. This Congress, which includes numerous symposia, concurrent sessions, workshops, and short courses, will highlight the importance of integrating successful communication strategies into conservation work. As a science communicator, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with and learn from others working at the intersection of conservation science and communication.