Interviewing Scientists

Many journalists feel daunted at the prospect of interviewing a scientist. They worry that the scientist will talk over their heads. They may have heard dark tales of scientists who refuse to be interviewed, or reluctantly agree, only to talk in jargon and roar their disapproval when a mangled media account appears. Some wonder if they can get an interview at all. But in truth, interviewing scientists has never been easier. As more and more federal agencies require public outreach efforts on the part of the scientists they fund, growing numbers of scientists understand the need for participating in media interviews. In addition, as colleges and universities seek to promote their science faculty and expand job opportunities for their students, many more scientists receive training ...