How do you turn complex research into stories that connect? Marine conservation biologist Dr. David Shiffman has trained thousands of researchers worldwide in public science engagement—and he's one of the most followed scientists on social media.

In this excerpt from The Conversations, David breaks down what makes effective science communication, from active analytical reading to collaborative data-sharing models that accelerate discovery. He shares practical advice for researchers ready to engage beyond the journal article.

Part of The Conversations: From the Lab to the Kitchen Table

What if the barrier to science communication isn't skill—it's just not knowing where to begin? Freelance science journalist Sandeep Ravindran hears this from graduate students all the time. They're interested, they care about outreach, but they're stuck at the starting line.

In this excerpt from The Conversations, Sandeep shares his journey from thinking science and writing were two separate career paths to discovering they could merge perfectly. He breaks down the broad spectrum of science communication—from volunteering at museums to influencing local policy—and makes a compelling case for why scientists can't afford to take public trust for granted.

Part of The Conversations: From the Lab to the Kitchen Table

What does it take to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into conversations that matter? Dr Marisa M. Silveri, neuroscientist and mental health counselor at McLean Hospital, shares how she brings teen brain research directly to communities—one classroom and clinic at a time.

In this excerpt from The Conversations, Marissa reveals why she chose boots-on-the-ground outreach over social media, how academic institutions are finally recognizing public education as valuable work, and her advice for the next generation of scientists navigating misinformation while staying connected to the communities they serve.

Part of The Conversations: From the Lab to the Kitchen Table

Revenue strategy looks different than it did five years ago. Steve Echard, Executive Vice President of the American College of Rheumatology, shares how ACR is evolving its approach to sustainable growth while staying true to mission.

In this excerpt from The Conversations, Steve breaks down how ACR is moving beyond traditional revenue models, from creating innovation labs where pharma sponsors engage directly with members, to putting real pricing on member benefits to understand their true value. He shares practical insights on leveraging unused member data, navigating board conversations about investment, and making the critical shift from "members need this, so give it to them" to strategic product decisions that serve both community and sustainability.

Part of The Conversations: Navigating the Future of Scholarly Societies

Member expectations are evolving as they engage with world-class digital experiences every day. Colleen Scollans, Partner at Clarke & Esposito, works with societies navigating this shift.

In this excerpt from The Conversations, Colleen tackles the uncomfortable truth about technical debt in academic societies—and why new technology won't fix outdated processes or missing skills. She explains why associations need unified data views instead of siloed systems, how product innovation requires real product teams (not just content creators), and why your community connection is your greatest competitive advantage if you can actually leverage it.

Part of The Conversations: Navigating the Future of Scholarly Societies

In mission-driven organizations, saying no can feel impossible. Miriam Maus, Chief Publishing Officer at IOP Publishing, sees this challenge constantly in smaller and medium-sized societies.

In this excerpt from The Conversations, Miriam shares a decision-making filter that cuts through the noise. Working with a global physics community, she's learned that understanding what drives stakeholders' behavior matters more than implementing faster workflows. She explains how to find common ground between publisher needs and community needs, and shares her simple but powerful test for every decision: does this make my community's life better?

Part of The Conversations: Navigating the Future of Scholarly Societies

How can scholarly societies stay relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape?

This episode tackles the pressures facing society leaders today—from outdated marketing strategies to untapped data potential. Join Colleen Scollans (Partner at Clarke & Esposito), Steve Echard (Executive Vice President of the American College of Rheumatology), and Miriam Maus (Chief Publishing Officer at IOP Publishing) as they explore practical strategies for future-proofing your organization. Discover how to validate products your members actually want, filter decisions through a community-first lens, and rethink marketing approaches that aren't working.

0:00 Intro
0:36 What society publishing means for your mission
1:27 What sets successful societies apart today
3:54 Overcoming resource and scale challenges
6:08 Finding the right partnership model for your needs
7:32 Leading transformation when consensus slows progress
9:51 How to prioritize when everyone wants everything
11:24 Tackling your top challenges: data, integrity, and AI
13:10 Attracting quality submissions, not just volume
15:19 Making the business case for technology investment
18:20 Building stronger publisher partnerships that work
20:09 Diversifying revenue beyond traditional publishing
24:38 Creating products members will actually pay for
27:13 Navigating AI without rushing or falling behind
29:10 What tomorrow's societies will look like
30:52 Why your community connection is your competitive edge
33:10 Closing thoughts

How do we bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding?

This episode tackles the breakdown in science communication fueling today's skepticism. Dr. Marisa M. Silveri (neuroscientist specializing in adolescent brain development and mental health, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School), Dr. David Shiffman (marine conservation biologist), and Dr. Sandeep Ravindran (science journalist, President of National Association of Science Writers) as they explore new ways to connect with audiences. Discover how to weave facts into compelling narratives and build trust through authentic dialogue.

Learn more about a new path forward for science communication here https://www.wiley.com/en-us/insights/featured-series/conversations/

#ScienceCommunication #SciComm #TrustInScience #PublicEngagement #discovery

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:30 What science communication means for researchers
02:58 Making research resonate with your audience
05:38 What audiences need: trust and understanding
07:33 Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
08:24 Moving beyond jargon: reaching broader audiences
10:10 What captures audience attention and why
12:38 Helping audiences navigate scientific uncertainty
15:00 Tackling misinformation where your audience lives
17:07 Building communication skills for researchers
20:25 Why researchers need to join forces now
21:12 How publishers can support researcher engagement
24:00 Sharing data to strengthen collaboration
25:27 Why transparency builds audience trust
28:00 Creating stronger partnerships across the pipeline
29:11 What's at stake for research and public trust
30:26 Getting started: advice for researchers