SciComm Corner

For over a year-and-a-half, countries worldwide have been trying to manage the outbreak of COVID-19. The ongoing pandemic came as a surprise for most people. In many ways, the virus reminded us of just how powerful and unpredictable nature can be.

One trait that scientists and children share is their innate curiosity, and science and curiosity go hand in hand. But, unlike scientists, children aren’t immersed in scientific research.

There are countless ways in which journalists, media agencies, and educators can communicate science to both expert and non-expert audiences. Some of these ways are more conventional, for instance involving the use of scientific texts, such as books, articles or press releases. Others are more sophisticated and employ technological tools, such as video-making software, digital media, online platforms, and more recently also augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR).

The world’s population is on the rise, and has been for some time. In 1800 there were one billion people on the planet and today there are 7.9 billion. And, according to a global population forecast by the United Nations, this figure will reach around 10.9 billion by 2100. As the population grows, so too does demand for food. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has projected that food and feed production will need to expand by 70% by 2050 to meet these needs. Can this be done?

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are immersive technologies that allow users to experience media content in more engaging ways, as if it was playing out in their immediate surroundings. This is achieved through the use of smart headsets, glasses, and other wearable devices with LCD or OLED screens integrated in them, such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR, and Microsoft HoloLens.

Science is logical, rational, and built on accuracy. Comedy is often illogical, farcical, and twists reality for humorous effect. It stands to reason then, that science and comedy don’t mix. Or do they?