IMMUNOLOGY2025™ Conference Recordings-Panel Discussant

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker argues that scientists and health researchers are often invisible to the public, which helps explain the lack of uproar over NIH cuts. He urges scientists to become advocates, not just researchers, and to speak directly to the public and elected officials as fellow public servants. Using polling data, he shows Americans still strongly support science, medical research, and national leadership in innovation, even if they cannot name scientists or institutions. He emphasizes that public engagement should be listening and connecting, not giving technical lectures. The speaker promotes a “Then, Now, Imagine” message frame to link science with public hopes for better health and a better future. He calls for alliances across science fields, defense, and policymakers, and says scientists should put a face on research by saying, “I work for you.”

Keywords

scientist advocacy

public engagement

NIH funding cuts

science communication

Then Now Imagine