Learn from Leaders in Science Communication
Great science doesn鈥檛 end at publication. How research is communicated influences funding decisions, regulatory frameworks, public trust, and the long-term credibility of entire fields.
But what does it take to be a successful science communicator? And how do you do it while balancing your full-time career? To answer this question, we took a closer look at some popular science communicators and why they stand out. The nine scientists featured here are active researchers who model thoughtful, disciplined, and impactful communication across academia, industry, and policy. They show that strong communication is compatible with rigorous, ongoing scientific careers.
How to Develop Skills in Science Communication
Science communication encompasses education, entertainment, journalism, and more. Successful science communicators are often notable for sharing their work in unique ways, but there are common attributes that help them to stand out. These include having passion for their work, knowing their audience, and building trust by creating clarity from complexity.
Strong science communicators strive to connect with others, often finding a niche for themselves on a certain platform or topic, with a specific audience, or through a style of communication.
- Paul Knoepfler blogs on The Niche about safe and regulated stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
- Akiko Iwasaki posts about science and public health in ways that everyone can understand.
- Catriona Nguyen-Robertson sings about science and scientific careers on LinkedIn.
- Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire engages with the community about vaccines and immunology.
- Fyodor Urnov presents to audiences globally about translational genome editing.
- The Engevik sisters post dazzling cell imagery and helpful gut research explanations.
- Dani Rabaiotti creates spaces for conversation and community on Bluesky.
If you want to strengthen your own communication, analyze how these science communicators:
- Use their talents and personality to entertain and help themselves stand out
- Define terms before using them
- Frame uncertainty explicitly
- Separate evidence from interpretation
- Use analogy without distorting meaning
- Respond to disagreement with composure
Featured individuals are recognized for their contributions to science communication. Their inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of 海角破解版 Technologies. Images are used with permission or from publicly available sources for illustrative purposes only.
Image courtesy Dr. Paul Knoepfler
Dr. Paul Knoepfler
Stem Cell Biologist | Research Transparency Advocate
What He Does Well
Dr. Knoepfler battles dangerous hype in stem cell science through his long-running blog, The Niche, finding ways to help readers understand both the promise and the limitations of new research. He explains emerging therapies, regulatory considerations, and clinical trials while distinguishing early-stage research from treatments that are actually proven to work. His writing often highlights how scientific discoveries move from the laboratory to the clinic and where challenges can arise along the way.
What You鈥檒l Learn
How to write blog posts frequently and thoughtfully; separating promising research from clinical reality.
Find him on his blog, , , and
It鈥檚 just much more accepted now that this kind of communication鈥攕ocial media, blogs鈥攁re an integral part of science.
Dr. Paul Knoepfler, via his 鈥淪tem Cells and Science Communication鈥 Stem Cell Podcast Episode.
Dr. Akiko Iwasaki
Immunologist | Translational Researcher
What She Does Well
Dr. Iwasaki excels at breaking down complex immunological concepts into digestible, yet accurate, information for the public, especially on platforms like X. She often uses analogies, visual aids, and clear language to explain immune responses. Proactive at social media engagement, she is renowned for using social platforms to directly engage with the public, patients, and other scientists in real time. She uses this platform to combat misinformation, especially regarding vaccines and long COVID.
What You鈥檒l Learn
Use social media in real time and for all audiences to explain scientific processes in ways that everyone can understand.
Find her on .
Dr. Catriona Nguyen-Robertson. Image credit: Namchops Photography (Nam Nguyen)
Dr. Catriona Nguyen-Robertson
Immunologist | Science Communicator
What She Does Well
Dr. Nguyen-Robertson uses her talents in performing arts to share clear explanations of the scientific process on LinkedIn. Her creative style of communicating science often highlights new studies, discusses the realities of academic research careers, and explains how plant science contributes to global food systems and sustainability. She frequently uses examples from real research to help readers understand how scientific discoveries are made.
What You鈥檒l Learn
How to fearlessly use professional platforms like LinkedIn in fun ways to explain your research.
Find her on LinkedIn as the and on Instagram .
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire
Immunologist | Vaccine Scientist
What She Does Well
Dr. Corbett-Helaire communicates complex immunology and vaccine science in ways that are clear, accessible, and grounded in evidence. Through public talks, interviews, and social media, she explains how vaccines are developed, how immune responses work, and how researchers evaluate safety and effectiveness. She frequently connects the science behind vaccines with real-world public health questions and engages directly with communities to build trust in scientific research.
What You鈥檒l Learn
How to connect the science behind discoveries with the real-world questions people are asking.
Find her on , Instagram , and through public talks and interviews.
Dr. Fyodor Urnov. Image credit: Innovative Genomics Institute
Dr. Fyodor Urnov
Genome Editing Scientist | Translational Research Leader
What He Does Well
Dr. Urnov communicates advances in genome editing in ways that help audiences understand both the scientific breakthroughs and the practical challenges involved in translating research into therapies. Through talks, interviews, and online commentary, he explains how gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR work, how clinical trials are designed, and what regulatory and manufacturing hurdles must be addressed before treatments reach patients. His communication often highlights the scientific process behind innovation and provides realistic context about timelines and feasibility.
What You鈥檒l Learn
Use public platforms to explain both the discoveries and the challenges involved in translating research into real-world solutions.
Find him on and look for him giving conference talks and interviews.
Drs. Mindy, Amy, and Kristen Engevik. Images courtesy of the Engevik sisters.
The Engevik Sisters (Drs. Mindy, Amy, and Kristen Engevik)
Gut Health Researchers | Science Communicators
What They Do Well
The Engevik sisters regularly share microbiology and microbiome science through accessible social media posts and videos featuring breathtaking microscopy imagery (frequently with googly eyes!). Their content often explains newly published studies, experimental techniques, and the biological mechanisms behind gut health research. They frequently break down scientific papers into clear explanations that connect laboratory findings with real-world questions about microbes and human health.
What You鈥檒l Learn
Use imagery, humor, and accessible explanations on social platforms to engage your audiences.
Find them on Instagram , learn how they create publication-worthy images here, or listen to their .
Establish your network and don鈥檛 be afraid to approach leaders in your field. Getting to know your scientific peers and establishing relationships with principal investigators can help you make crucial next steps in your career. Having a wide network is especially helpful in finding postdoctoral positions and in securing funding. Individuals recognizing your name or your work goes a long way.
Dr. Kristen Engevik via Tips for Immunofluorescence Imaging, Featuring the Engevik Sisters
Dr. Dani Rabaiotti
Conservation Scientist | Science Communicator
What She Does Well
Dr. Rabaiotti is a conservation scientist who studies how environmental change affects wildlife populations. She fostered the large online science community, 鈥淭he Science Feed,鈥 on Bluesky and is also widely known for co-authoring informative yet witty books such as 鈥淒oes It Fart?鈥. Using platforms like Bluesky and her blog, Dr. Rabaiotti shares research findings, conservation insights, and explanations of ecological concepts in accessible ways. She uses social media to highlight new studies, amplify scientists鈥 work, and encourage public engagement with research.
What You鈥檒l Learn
Use social media to foster conversations around science and connect research with broader audiences.
Find her on , and her .
Now you鈥檝e seen what great science communication looks like, start experimenting! Most importantly, remember to be bold, ambitious, and true to your aspirations.
Supporting Clear Scientific Voices
As Scientists Helping Scientists, we have a wealth of resources to support your research and career development. You may be interested in the following:
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