Sharing Science through Shared Values, Goals, and Stories: An Evidence-based Approach to Making Science Matter

Authors

• Bethann G. Merkle, University of WyomingFollow
• Evelyn Valdez-Ward, University of California, Irvine
• Priya Shukla, University of California, Davis
• Skylar R. Bayer, Roger Williams University

Date of this Version

Winter 2021

Document Type

Article

Citation

Human–Wildlife Interactions (Winter 2021) 15(3): article 27 

doi: 10.26077/9wss-av78 

Special topic: Raven management

Comments

Open access. License: CC BY 4.0

Abstract

Scientists in and beyond academia face considerable challenges to effectively sharing science, including lack of time and training, systemic disincentives, and the complexity of the modern media/attention landscape. Considering these constraints, 3 achievable shifts in mindset and practice can substantively enhance science communication efforts. Here, we provide evidence-based and experientially informed advice on how to center shared values, articulate science communication goals, and leverage the power of stories to advance our communication goals in connection with the values we share with our stakeholders. In addition to a discussion of relevant, foundational principles in science communication, we provide actionable recommendations and tools scientists can immediately use to articulate their values, identify shared values between stakeholders, set science communication goals, and use storytelling as a means of building and reinforcing relationships around shared values, thereby working productively to achieve those goals.