SciComm and Stats: Communicating Statistics to the Public in the New Decade

• Activity Number: 119 - SciComm and Stats: Communicating Statistics to the Public in the New Decade
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Monday, August 9, 2021 : 1:30 PM to 3:20 PM
• Sponsor: ENAR
• Author(s): John Bailer* and Irineo Cabreros* and Natalie Dean* and Regina Nuzzo* and Brian Tarran* and Nick Thieme*
• Companies: Miami University and RAND and University of Florida and American Statistical Association and Significance Magazine and Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Keywords: SciComm; Statistics Communication; Data Journalism; AAAS; Career Opportunities; COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has underscored the importance of effective science communication, or SciComm, to the public. In particular, the role of statisticians in translating data into a clear narrative for the public’s understanding has become apparent. In this session, we will explore the ways statisticians communicate the stories ingrained in data to the general public: through written journalism, invited talks, blogging, Twitter, and podcasting. We will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic altered how the science community uses these tools to educate the public on scientific concepts relevant to current events—and how statisticians and statistical organizations are adapting their communication strategies to address this new normal. Our panelists will share how they got involved in SciComm, their visions for the future of statistics communication, and what statistical organizations can do to improve their communication efforts and increase statistical literacy among the public. Our panel will offer advice and encourage all statisticians, particularly those who are up-and-coming, to become SciCommers to help build a world more knowledgeable of the stories data can, and can’t, tell us.