How to Turn Your Scientific Expertise Into Engaging Stories
How to inspire others with your science and make a difference
After years as an academic, I finally knew academia wasn’t my life path; that was clear to me, but what was it?
Every time I did a “life purpose” exercise, the results were similar: I wanted to be a bridge between science and the non-sciency world. I wanted to have an impact on society by leveraging my skills, but was that even possible?
I eventually found the right tools to leverage my hard-earned skills into other sectors and landed jobs that fulfilled my personal needs, made me feel valued, and paid well. If you are on a similar path, you can find these tools in the link below.
However, my new career failed to fulfill my most valuable skill: creative writing. Writing has been not only a tool to effectively execute my job for me, it was also a mental health outlet. Could I keep using it to fulfill my purpose?
That’s when I started writing on Medium.
At first, though, I thought nobody would be interested in reading about the science I loved. Later, I thought I couldn’t put technical concepts into words non-scientists could understand.
However, for some reason, one day, I felt the urge to give it a go, and I jumped head first. My first science communication stories were far from effective, but little by little, I got better, and without realizing it, I had started a profitable side hustle by sharing my passion for science online.
As a bonus, I was informing people about how science works. I was following my life purpose, my Ikigai.
I have to admit, though, that this came as a surprise.
For years, I lived in the world of academia, immersed in research and surrounded by people who spoke the same language of technical jargon and methodologies.
But outside the lab, I often struggled to explain what I did to friends, family, or even strangers at a dinner party. Their eyes would glaze over halfway through my explanation, and I’d think, Why is it so hard to make them care?
You’re not alone if you are a scientist, and this sounds familiar. As scientists, we’re trained to write for journals, not for people. But we must remember that our research, our discoveries, and our insights are valuable beyond the walls of academia.
People want to know about them and understand how we do science. They just need you to tell the story in a way they can connect.
If you’re not convinced yet, I’ll share why communicating science is so important and how you can start turning your expertise into engaging stories for a broader audience.
And yes, you can even make it profitable (wink-wink).
Why Science Communication Matters
Let’s face it: science feels distant for many people.
Headlines like “Researchers Discover X Gene Mutation” or “Study Shows New Method for Carbon Capture” might make the news, but they rarely stick. Why?
Because most people don’t see how it connects to their lives or why they should care in the first place.
The truth, though? Science shapes everything around us. From the food we eat to the tech we use, it impacts our daily decisions, even if we don’t realize it.
When you, as a scientist, can bridge that gap, when you can explain why your work matters, you don’t just educate. You inspire.
Communicating science is about more than public awareness. It builds trust, counters misinformation, and encourages informed decisions. For you, it’s an opportunity to share your passion, create meaningful connections, and even open new career doors.
Turning Expertise Into Stories
I know what you’re thinking. This sounds amazing, but how do I take years of research and turn it into something that grabs people’s attention?
The answer lies in storytelling. Yes, storytelling again. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Start With the Why
Every great story begins with a reason to care.
Why did you choose this field? Why does your research matter? For instance, when I wrote about coral reefs, I didn’t dive straight into ocean acidification stats.
Instead, I started with my memory of snorkeling with my then-boyfriend and now husband and my heartbreak seeing them bleach years later. Most people would relate to this: a landscape that once was part of their life story and has gone to human impacts.
People connect with emotions, so don’t be afraid to share your personal “why.” Most likely, others will share your why.
2. Simplify, Don’t Dumb Down
It’s tempting to overexplain (and mumble) when you’re trying to simplify complex ideas. Resist that urge. Instead, focus on the essence of your work.
For example, instead of saying, “We measured the effects of anthropogenic stressors on marine ecosystems,” try, “We studied how human activities like pollution and overfishing affect ocean health.”
Quite a difference in wording, but the same message.
Your goal isn’t to give a lecture; it’s to spark curiosity. When people are curios, they start caring.
3. Use Analogies and Everyday Language
Analogies are your best friend. They make abstract concepts relatable. For example, if you want to talk about permafrost methane release, compare it to shaking a soda bottle: the pressure builds, and eventually, it bursts.
This doesn’t just simplify the science — it makes it memorable and helps empower your reader. A reader who understands a complex topic (because you did a great job) is a reader who will leave your story feeling empowered about their own abilities and capacity to make a change.
That’s where we want our readers to be.
Taking the First Step
Great, I have convinced you to give this whole “communicating my science” a go. Now what?
Well, if you’re ready to start writing for a broader audience, here’s how to take that leap:
- Choose Your Topic: Start with something you’re passionate about. It could be your current research or a scientific breakthrough you find fascinating. Don’t overthink it much. Your first stories won’t be perfect, and that means you are on the right track.
- Find Your Audience: Are you writing for curious adults? Educators? Policymakers? Tailor your tone and examples to their interests. Remember: “Master of everyone is master of none.” You can’t please everyone, and you shouldn’t strive to.
- Practice Storytelling: Experiment with blog posts, social media, or even Medium articles. The idea is to find what works best for you as a creative outlet. Choose something that leaves you feeling energized and not drained. Otherwise, you won’t stick to it. And remember: the more you write, the more confident you’ll become.
Why Medium Is a Great Starting Point
When I started sharing my work outside of academia, Medium became my go-to platform. But why?
Well, Medium has a built-in audience of curious readers, and its Partner Program allows you to earn money based on engagement. Plus, it’s an incredible space to experiment with storytelling and see what resonates with people.
As a bonus, Medium cares about quality over quantity, and they can help you succeed through their Boosting Program.
However, I know that understanding everything Medium can offer can be tedious. It took me months to figure out my winning formula!
That’s why I created my course, Publish Your First Science-Communication Article. It’s a step-by-step guide to help scientists like you write and publish your first article for a non-technical audience.
From choosing your topic to submitting it to a publication, I’ll walk you through every part of the process.
Your Stories Matter
Science communication isn’t just about making your work accessible; it’s about making it impactful. Every story you share has the power to inspire, educate, and connect. Every story that you write can be the one that makes the difference to the right person.
Butterfly effect at its prettiest.
So, the next time you feel stuck explaining your work to someone, think of it as an opportunity to tell a story. One that brings science to life shows why it matters, and maybe even changes how someone sees the world.
The world needs more science communicators. Why not start with you?
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