A scientist's journey: learning to communicate science for improved nature connectedness

With continuing concerns over the future of the natural world in the face of climate change, it is becoming increasingly important that people feel a sense of caring for, and responsibility towards, the environment. A feeling of ‘nature connectedness’ can be a useful means of predicting an individual’s likelihood of making more sustainable life choices and is an area of great interest to researchers. Unfortunately, many people today struggle with so-called ‘plant blindness’ and low levels of nature connectedness. Through science communication, scientists can attempt to improve public knowledge and understanding of the natural world, thereby increasing individuals’ appreciation for, and sense of connection to, nature. As a doctoral student at the early stages of my scientific research career, I had not had a great deal of experience with science communication for a public audience. However, as part of my doctoral training programme, I had the opportunity to undertake a professional internship to explore career options outwith the university lab environment. During this internship, working within a university botanic garden in the East of Scotland, I had the opportunity to experience science communication for a variety of audiences including school pupils, school teachers and the general public. The intention was to use my molecular biology and protein biochemistry knowledge to produce a new educational and recreational resource highlighting plants with medicinal properties. The aim of the new resource was to inform and entertain visitors to the botanic garden in a manner that would improve these individuals’ sense of nature connectedness.