Why researchers and scientists must use plain language when discussing their work

Trust in science has never been more important. With the need to convince the public about vaccine safety as well as climate change, scientists are at a pivotal moment. And the way that scientists speak to the public is paramount. A new article in Scientific American called ‘Scientists: When Talking to the Public, Please Speak Plainly’ asks for scientists to use simple, jargon free terms when discussing their work, helping to engage the public and ultimately build the confidence and trust in what they do.

But if scientists could speak plainly, it would help us understand their claims and better appreciate their work

Naomi Oreskes | Scientific American October 2021 Issue

Read the full piece written by Naomi Oreskes, a professor of the history of science and an affiliated professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Harvard University, here.