Ask a STEMist
Scientific research shapes many aspects of our daily lives, from healthcare and agriculture to climate action, artificial intelligence, engineering, and public policy. Yet, for many people, science remains distant and difficult to understand because they rarely have opportunities to interact directly with the people conducting the research.
At the same time, many researchers receive little formal training in communicating their work beyond academic audiences. While they regularly present at conferences and publish in scientific journals, explaining complex ideas in clear, relatable language is an equally important skill that is often overlooked. As a result, valuable research can struggle to reach the communities, decision-makers, educators, and families who could benefit most from it.
Words That Count believes that meaningful conversations between scientists and society can bridge this gap. When researchers are given opportunities to communicate their work in accessible language and the public is encouraged to ask questions in an open, welcoming environment, science becomes more relatable, researchers become more confident communicators, and trust between science and society grows.
Words That Count’s Ask a STEMist is a public engagement and science communication initiative that connects researchers with the public through open, interactive conversations. Rather than delivering formal lectures, each episode creates a relaxed environment where scientists explain their work in everyday language. At the same time, participants ask questions they may not otherwise have the opportunity to ask.
Beyond helping audiences understand science, the initiative also provides researchers with practical experience communicating with non-specialist audiences. Translating complex concepts into language that everyone can understand enables scientists to strengthen an essential professional skill while gaining fresh perspectives on the societal relevance of their work.
Each conversation also highlights the human side of science by exploring the guest’s career journey, motivations, challenges, and the impact of their research.