Jane, thanks for your post. The ESA's position, as an academic publisher, is predictable. The academic publishing world is rapidly changing. Publishers (of many kinds) are seeing the near future in which they are no longer sole gatekeepers of content, or process. I'd like to comment on a part of ESA's position letter:
"One way to make taxpayer funded research more visible and accessible to interested members of the public would be to require federally-funded grantees to provide a second version of the research summaries they already prepare, specifically for the lay reader. To aid in online searches, these summaries could also include the source of federal funding institutions and grant numbers. Publishers could also include grant information in paper abstracts which are usually available without a subscription." I would see a 'layperson-targeted research summary' as just a beginning. We scientists should take the lead in promoting and interpreting our scientific work for the public in engaging and digestible ways. There are lots of needs pulling us in this direction: to encourage STEM interest, to justify public research, to enhance human engagement with the biological world (re) conservation. There are great examples of scientists directly engaging the public about their work: tweeting scientists, networking with scientific journalists, making YouTube videos, etc (eg "the Large Hadron Rap" by Alpinekat on YouTube). Dr. Nalini Nadkarni and colleagues in the International Canopy Network have led the way on engaging the public in novel ways. However, this kind of engaging public communication is the rare exception, not the norm. If you're thinking "there's no way I can do all that AND my science too", another means to get your work out to the public is to actively partner with professionals in the visual communication field. Also, many universities have "media relations" offices that can provide help. I'm an Assoc.Prof. of science at a college of Art and Design, and am actively working in this area - bringing scientists and artists together for improved scientific communication and improved scientific literacy in artists/designers. Both parties (scientists and art/designers) benefit from this collaboration. Did I mention it is awesomely fun? -- Kim Landsbergen Ph.D., Certified Senior Ecologist Associate Professor, Columbus College of Art & Design Visiting Research Scholar, EEOB, The Ohio State University CarbonEcology Consulting LLC, Owner e: kim.landsbergen at gmail dot com p: 01-614-795-6003
