How to Become Science Influencers? A Guide where Knowledge meets Social Media!

The idea of blending science with social media is not entirely new. Icons like Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson became global figures by communicating complex science to us. Today, to witness a similar revolution in India, universities and research institutions are realising social media’s immense potential for cultivating a scientific temperament across the country, creating science influencers.

A New Era of Science Communication

Science communication in India is still in its early stages, but its growth is undeniable. Until a few years ago, print media, books, radio, and television were the primary sources of scientific knowledge. Today, however, social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter are bridging the gap between scientists and the general public.

But there’s a catch: science communication must be accurate. That’s where workshops and training programs come into play. Institutions are now focusing on how content creators can become effective science communicators by blending fact with creativity to captivate audiences without losing the essence of truth.

At the IIT

TV Venkateswaran, a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, understands this importance. “Very few people pursue science after the 10th standard. This is where science communication plays an important role,” he said. Venkateswaran recently conducted a workshop on social media science communication, emphasising the need for influencers to balance engagement and accuracy.

The challenge is not just to capture attention but to keep the integrity of science intact. “Over-exaggeration of facts and the use of clickbait images and sentences decrease the credibility of the content,” Venkateswaran warned.

Workshops: Bridging the Gap

The key to this movement lies in workshops and training programs that shape the next generation of science communicators. These workshops are not just about understanding science; they’re about learning how to present it in a way that resonates with people across age groups and backgrounds.

Venkateswaran’s workshop in Chennai, in collaboration with The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), was a huge success. Participants learned to break down research papers into bite-sized, engaging social media posts. They were taught to follow the 5W1H rule: what, when, where, why, who, and how to create posts that are both informative and captivating.

Participants like Divya M, a second-year BSc Physics student, learned how to simplify complex scientific jargon for a non-expert audience. “I learned how well-crafted summaries help journalists convey scientific research more accurately to the public,” she said.

The workshop’s focus on visual storytelling, such as Instagram reels and YouTube shorts, allows participants to discover how to communicate scientific breakthroughs in an easy-to-understand yet impactful way.

Visuals and AI in Science Communication

In addition to simplifying text, modern science communication relies heavily on visuals. Graphics, animations, and even AI tools are helping make science more digestible.

Rafeeque Mavoor, an illustrator and animator, runs Scidart Academy, where he trains scientists to create engaging science videos and illustrations.

Rafeeque’s workshops have trained over 2,000 participants from around the world. They focus on using tools like Blender (3D computer software) to bring research to life. His work shows that science can be communicated not just through words but through compelling visuals that make complex ideas easier to grasp.

He also incorporates AI tools like Google Gemini and Adobe AI to enhance the creative process, making science communication more accessible and visually appealing.

Nature India and Other Initiatives

Nature India, a digital science magazine, is leading the charge in promoting science communication. It trains scientists, science communicators, and journalists to translate scientific research effectively into public-friendly content.

Subhra Priyadarshini, the chief editor of Nature India, explained that their training helps participants present research more effectively to the public, media and social media. She added that this training connects scientists with broader audiences, fostering evidence-based reporting and combating misinformation.

Similarly, Cactus Communications, an organisation that focuses on enhancing the visibility of research, has conducted numerous workshops on using social media to promote scientific work.

Prabh Grewal, senior vice president at Cactus Communications, highlighted the importance of verifying sources and avoiding sensationalism. He stressed that “a good post provides context and credibility, while a bad post spreads misinformation.”

The Dos and Don’ts of Science Communication

When creating social media posts about science, there are some golden rules to follow. The key is to make science relatable and engaging without overselling it. Suchitha Champak, founder of SciRio, a science communication company, shared her tips for effective social media communication.

• Dos: Use visual elements to make engaging posts that simplify complex language while ensuring clarity without oversimplifying the science.
• Don’ts: Avoid clickbait titles, sensationalism, and exaggerated claims. Misinformation is dangerous, and science communicators must remain responsible in their approach.

An example of a good science post would be one that clearly explains the importance of a study, such as, “New study from IIT Madras identifies key factors in Delhi’s air pollution. Researchers found that particles smaller than 1 micrometre worsen visibility and health risks.”

On the other hand, a bad example would be, “SHOCKING study reveals the REAL killer in Delhi’s air! Retweet to save lives!” This post sensationalises the findings without providing context or credibility.

The Future of Science Communication in India

As more influencers and researchers embrace social media as a tool for science communication, India is set to become a global leader in this field. With the help of workshops, AI tools, and creative visual content, the next generation of science enthusiasts and scientists will not just be confined to labs. They will be teaching millions of people how science impacts their everyday lives.

Science influencers bridge complex topics and the public, empowering people to think critically and fostering a culture of scientific curiosity. This movement is vital for India’s future, where knowledge is shared, celebrated, understood, and acted upon.

In this age of misinformation, the responsibility of science communicators is immense. But they can turn the tide with the proper training, creativity, and dedication. So, the next time you scroll through your feed, remember: you might be learning from India’s own Carl Sagan, or you can become one too!

Come Back Here to find out which Science influencers to follow!