Team:Stanford-Brown/Outreach/CZ

An Interview with Carl Zimmer

Talking to journalist Carl Zimmer is a bit science-fiction thriller—the conversation can range from DIY biotechnologists to bird flu to the mass die-off of bees. Or in our case, it was biology and space exploration. When we talked to him on April 5, Mars colonization and the future of scientific communication were the topic of the day.

Science communication is at crossroads. Growing public disinterest and misinformation is a growing problem, but at the same time new tools of social media open audiences and stories. The New York Times journalist shared some of his experiences—and advice—in making science resonate today:

1. Craft a story

2. Accept you can't include every detail

3. Know your audience