Silence and science are no longer compatible!
Luchuo Engelbert Bain, MD, PhD.
In my view, an unfortunate persistent misconception in science is the belief that research speaks for itself. It does not.
Evidence, no matter how rigorous, rarely influences policy or practice without deliberate, strategic, and well-resourced communication.
In reality, high-fidelity uptake of research is an active process—one that requires engagement, translation, and political and diplomatic acumen that many researchers are not trained to exercise.
If publicly funded research fails to shape decisions, systems, and outcomes, its societal value remains unrealized. Indeed, taxpayers’ money, human effort, and time are simply wasted.
In the age of what I have termed information constipation—an overwhelming volume of good data competing for attention—it is naïve to assume that strong evidence will automatically reach the right audience, in the right format, at the right time. Over 1.5 million articles are published annually in biomedical and life sciences alone. Without intentional packaging and dissemination, I will argue that excellent science is, and risks being ignored.
This is why all serious research projects should embed fully funded communication strategies from the outset. We need not only better communication; we need the right actors, the best methods, and professionally trained experts to lead science communication. We also need a critical mass of communication-competent scientists to change the game.
Science communication is a specialised craft. It requires understanding how policymakers think, how political systems operate, and how decisions are negotiated. It requires speaking the language of politicians without diluting scientific integrity. It also demands that experts who have traditionally been peripheral—political scientists, communication specialists, diplomats, storytellers, designers—move to the centre of research translation.
Perhaps the most logical way to combat mis- and disinformation is to occupy key spaces early, with accurate information, delivered by the right actors, through the right channels, and on time.
Research funders also have a critical role to play. Mandating clear and well-articulated strategic communication work packages in funded projects holds immense promise.
Science communication is now indispensable for effective policy, ethical research practice, and societal trust. By translating evidence swiftly for decision-makers and returning usable knowledge to communities, it strengthens impact. It also combats misinformation, disinformation, and rising anti-science movements by ensuring accurate, timely, and trusted voices occupy critical public spaces.
In a world where attention spans are shrinking and public debate happens on social media, silence and science are no longer compatible!
