Roundtable on Speaking Up in Academia - Part One

August 26, 2021·33 min·3 clips

How is the virtual world transforming PhD education and the skills scientists need to speak up globally?

This Vitamin PhD episode features a roundtable discussion on speaking up in academia with Dr. Adrienne Hollis, Dr. Astrid Kaldas, and PhD student Rob Ulrich. The hosts explore why scientists should engage publicly and the skills needed for effective communication. They begin with a lighthearted question about identifying with a type of bread. Dr. Hollis and Dr. Kaldas work on climate justice and health at the Union of Concerned Scientists, while Rob Ulrich studies biogeochemistry at UCLA and co-directs Reclaiming STEM workshops. The conversation addresses the traditional academic culture that often discourages public commentary from early-career researchers. They discuss the professional risks and potential backlash scientists face when speaking on contentious issues like climate change. A key topic is the responsibility of higher education to equip PhD students with broader communication and advocacy competencies beyond pure research. The panelists highlight how virtual networks now allow scientists to connect and share information globally, amplifying their impact. They examine the importance of building supportive communities, like the Reclaiming STEM initiative, to train scientists in public engagement. One insight is that speaking up can be a strategic career move, opening doors to policy roles and public influence. The discussion notes that effective communication requires translating complex jargon into accessible language for diverse audiences. A surprising perspective challenges the notion that scientists must remain completely neutral, suggesting advocacy is sometimes necessary for justice. The tone is conversational and supportive, blending personal anecdotes with professional advice. The style is educational, offering practical guidance for navigating academic and public spheres. Listeners interested in science communication, policy, and academic activism would find this episode valuable. Those solely focused on traditional research career paths might find the advocacy focus less directly relevant.

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