Loading...
The Storytelling Brain: How Neuroscience Stories Help Bridge the Gap between Research and Society
Journal Title
The Journal of Neuroscience
Readers/Advisors
Journal Title
Term and Year
Publication Date
2019-10-16
Book Title
Publication Volume
39
Publication Issue
42
Publication Begin
8285
Publication End
8290
Number of pages
Collections
Files
Loading...
8285.full.pdf
Adobe PDF, 115.97 KB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Active communication between researchers and society is necessary for the scientific community's involvement in developing science-based policies. This need is recognized by governmental and funding agencies that compel scientists to increase their public engagement and disseminate research findings in an accessible fashion. Storytelling techniques can help convey science by engaging people's imagination and emotions. Yet, many researchers are uncertain about how to approach scientific storytelling, or feel they lack the tools to undertake it. Here we explore some of the techniques intrinsic to crafting scientific narratives, as well as the reasons why scientific storytelling may be an optimal way of communicating research to nonspecialists. We also point out current communication gaps between science and society, particularly in the context of neurodiverse audiences and those that include neurological and psychiatric patients. Present shortcomings may turn into areas of synergy with the potential to link neuroscience education, research, and advocacy.
Citation
Martinez-Conde S, Alexander RG, Blum D, Britton N, Lipska BK, Quirk GJ, Swiss JI, Willems RM, Macknik SL. The Storytelling Brain: How Neuroscience Stories Help Bridge the Gap between Research and Society. J Neurosci. 2019 Oct 16;39(42):8285-8290. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1180-19.2019. PMID: 31619498; PMCID: PMC6794920.