Diseases we thought were gone are coming back. Cities are flooding. Wildfires, droughts, and heat waves are getting worse. People argue about what’s true.

When science feels far away, rumors grow fast. During COVID-19, families didn’t know who to trust. Now measles, whooping cough, and other preventable diseases are spreading again. Some people still question clean energy, vaccines, or food safety because they don’t know which voices to believe.

These are not failures of science. They happen when scientists are not trained to talk with the public.

Most science students, who are our future doctors, engineers, and researchers, never learn how to share their work with everyday people. That gap has real consequences for health, safety, and trust.

It’s time to fix it.

Every science degree should require training in communication and public engagement.

 
Why It Matters
If you’ve ever:

• wondered which health advice to trust,
• worried about your air, water, or food,
• seen climate misinformation online, or
• felt like science only happens in labs, not your community,

... then this issue affects you directly.

When scientists can explain their work clearly and connect with people where they are: schools, libraries, town halls, social media, communities make better choices. Families stay safer. Misinformation loses power.

 
The Gap
Science programs teach students how to run experiments, collect data, and publish research. But most do not teach them to:

• talk about their work in plain language,
• share results with local communities,
• listen to public concerns or questions,
• or use communication tools that reach real audiences.

Science often stays locked inside the lab. When that happens, people outside have less chances to get to understand or use it.

 
The Solution
Every science program in the United States should include required courses in communication and public engagement. Students should learn how to:

• explain complex ideas in clear, simple words,
• use stories and visuals that make science relatable,
• teach using proven learning methods,
• share their work responsibly online,
• and partner with schools, libraries, and community groups to make science part of everyday life.

These courses should be taught by trained experts in science communication and education, working alongside research faculty. Students should create real projects, for example, videos, infographics, workshops, and public talks, all that reach beyond campus walls.

 
What It’s Not

• Not political. Clear information helps everyone.
• Not a replacement for lab training. It strengthens it.
• Not about becoming influencers. It’s about building trust.

The Benefits

• For families: clear answers and less confusion.
• For students: better career opportunities and real-world experience.
• For communities: stronger partnerships and safer decisions.
• For universities: graduates who can lead, teach, and serve.

About the Sponsor
I am a molecular biologist with a PhD in science education and more than 15 years of experience teaching science communication nationwide. I have helped develop vaccine education programs, partnered on federal and corporate projects, and visited the White House to discuss science education policy. My work has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Fortune 40 Under 40, and EBONY Power 100.

I’ve lived both sides of the system... the one that didn’t teach communication and the one that can.

 
Message to Decision Makers
As leaders who shape higher education, you can prepare the next generation of scientists to serve the public more effectively.

Science communication and community engagement are not extras. They are essential skills that save lives and build trust. When students learn how to explain their work clearly and connect with the people their research affects, families make better choices, and misinformation loses ground.

Please update degree and accreditation requirements to include formal science communication and public engagement training in every science program.

Our nation’s health, safety, and progress depend on it.

 
SIGN NOW
Science students should graduate ready to explain their work.
Scientists should be part of public life, not hidden behind lab doors.
Communities deserve science they can understand and trust.

Add your name and share this petition.
Science makes the biggest impact when it’s shared, trusted, and used.