by: Amanda Rioux and the UMass Dartmouth biology students
In today’s post, I asked the scientists a question concerning their work and public understanding: Why do you think it is important that the public understands what you do as scientists?
“Why is it important that the public understands what scientists do?”
Stephanie: Scientific information should not be only accessible to the people collecting data or just generally within the field of study.
It’s important for the public to understand what we study because a lot of time and effort along with government funding (in some projects) are put into projects and if resources are being poured into these projects, the public has the right to know. Also, there is benefit from understanding scientific knowledge and everyone should have an equal opportunity to gain from it.
Ryan: It is important for the public to understand what I do as they are partially responsible for funding the project. They should know that money given to science goes to good use and the studies done are relevant to the advancement of knowledge.
It is also important for them to understand my work to become further engaged in discussions on the work and develop an open line of communication for scientific knowledge to spread.
This open line of communication will allow questions the public may have to be answered and less mystery on where the information originates.
Muhammad: It is the same reason as to why people need to get vaccinated. They need to be informed as to what exactly is that scientist do.
They need to be educated on a very fundamental level and made aware of all the dangers that the scientist community combats.
Abhi: I think it’s important for people to understand that marine life is not all about the charismatic megafauna- the dolphins, sharks, whales. They are undoubtedly awesome.
However, bacteria and other microscopic organisms make up the vast majority of biological activity in the ocean, and to take it one step further, a majority of the world’s (including the ocean’s) microbes live in biofilms.
Also, I’d love to shift people away from the view of bacteria and microbes in the sea as only harmful and/or pathogenic.
Some bacterial biofilms are iridescent! Some only grow with the help of other bacterial friends! Some bacteria are great cheaters and thieves! The possibilities and lifestyles are exciting and endless.