Chemists: Public Outreach Is an Essential Investment of Time, Not a Waste of It

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss the state of the public image of chemistry and some of the potential consequences of its deterioration. We explain why it is important that chemists engage the public to educate citizens about science and communicate the value of scientific research. Next, as an example of how chemists can interact with the public in a meaningful manner related to their research, we discuss the development and implementation of a multifaceted outreach program by our group at Caltech. We close with suggestions for how chemists can create their own outreach activities and how our field can encourage this work by recognizing and rewarding it.The global chemistry enterprise, while historically strong, faces a growing list of serious challenges. The pharmaceutical industry finds itself struggling to maintain its former pace of drug discovery (1), federal funding for academic research is becoming increasingly scarce (2), and the employment market for chemists in the developed world may never have been tougher than it is now (3,4). Despite these challenges, one cannot deny the prospect that it is chemists who are positioned best to solve several of the most profound problems currently facing humanity. Chemical catalysts will be required to efficiently convert the energy in sunlight into safely-transportable fuels that meet our growing demand for consumable energy (5, 6). It is chemists who synthesize the drugs-be they small molecules or large proteins-that are still often the most effective and least invasive means of treating many diseases. And the solution to our planet's

Translational Science for Energy and Beyond

“…Therefore, it is much easier to interest broad audiences by framing basic and applied research in the context of solving important problems. As an example, we cite the remarkable excitement engendered by the “Solar Army” outreach program run through CCI Solar, which to date has engaged thousands of nontechnical people in multiple demographics and age groups. , …”

Awakening Interest in Science and Improving Attitudes toward Chemistry by Hosting an ACS Chemistry FeSTiVAl in Bogotá, Colombia

“…with distorted information about chemistry activities, or perhaps from some formal settings with poor curricular content and methodology. Unfortunately, a sociocultural image related to risk, mystery, pollution, and toxicity has contributed to the negative image of chemistry. ,, Although in some social contexts the public attitudes are much more positive than were expected, a neutral perception on chemistry is worrying. According to a recent report of the Royal Society of Chemistry, people in the U.K. were somewhat positive about the impacts of chemistry and believed it to be beneficial to society, but they also expressed neutrality about chemistry, finding it much easier to specify negative attributes and stereotypes.…”

A pedagogical approach to science outreach

“…Science outreach is a vital connection between the scientific community and the general public [1][2][3]. Outreach encourages youths who may be otherwise disconnected from pursuing science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM)-related fields in which there remains a paucity of minorities [4].…”