IN today’s rapidly changing world, the layman receives unfiltered information about happenings and new discoveries online, namely social media.
Nevertheless, there are scientific ideas that go unnoticed by the public because of the immense use of jargon and scientific terminologies.
It is important for scientists to communicate to the public clearly and not live in an ivory tower, ignorant of and oblivious to the everyday problems faced by society.
Providing scientific information in a jargon-free language requires good communication skills.
Scientists are trained to work in laboratories, invent products and exchange ideas in conferences with people of similar expertise and who speak the same language, so much so that communicating ideas to the layman is considered trivial.
However, science communication is vital to enhance “public understanding of science”, and to promote awareness of science or health issues.
Communicating research findings to the public would broaden the platforms for research engagement.
This would enable laymen to make informed decisions about policies that may affect them, from food and nutrition to climate change, environment and reproductive technologies.
Science advocacy is another key aspect of promoting public awareness.
It is not just about lobbying with the legislature, but engaging with the public in supporting a cause, speaking up, drawing attention and providing solutions, and resulting in positive growth of the community.
Recently, a seminar on “Advocacy for Sustainable, Equitable and Healthy Food and Nutrition Systems” was held at Taylor’s University, presented by public health experts — Professor Heather Yeatman and Associate Professor Dr Bridget Kelly from Australia, and our own national researcher Professor Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda.
The speakers from Australia shared their experience in championing a healthy food policy intervention. Accordingly, elements of advocacy include university researchers, key political leaders, key journalists and key influencers — they all work together to empower broad-based action in creating initiatives to support a healthy food system.
This includes developing a “health star rating” website for food and beverages, and reaching to mothers who decide what goes into their children’s lunch pack. They spoke about globalised marketing of unhealthy food and beverages targeting children and the need for regulation of food advertising.
Professor Wan Abdul Manan spoke about malnutrition in Malaysia. Though Malaysia’s healthy lifestyle campaigns have impacted consumers, nevertheless “food systems are also defined by political decisions”.
He said health advocacy in Malaysia was not as advanced as some countries, “but we can learn from countries that have been successful in creating a healthy food environment”.
It is worth noting the United Nations Children’s Fund report in February, titled “Children Without: A study of urban child poverty and deprivation in low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur”.
This report highlighted children living in public low-cost housing in KL who have little access to nutritious food and are vulnerable to malnourishment. The report recommends revisiting poverty indicators, including the nutritional status of children and promoting exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months.
The findings reinforce the notion that scientific progress should take into account the many social aspects and everyday problems faced by society.
To be a good scientist, one needs to be a good advocate and that requires communication skills. Educators need to start thinking about infusing science communication in the school curriculum to prepare young scientists to be better communicators when engaging with laymen.
DR S. MATHANA AMARIS FIONA
Puchong, Selangor.