IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Conversations that Connect: Helping the Public Understand, Trust, and Engage with Science, Sponsored by the AAI Public Communications Comm.

Conversations that Connect: Helping the Public Understand, Trust, and Engage with Science, Sponsored by the AAI Public Communications Comm.

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Video Summary

The panel opened with remarks from AAI leaders explaining why science communication matters now more than ever, especially amid misinformation and declining public trust in science. They described AAI’s efforts to become a trusted public-facing source on immunology through initiatives like Immunology Explained, media outreach, ambassador programs, and the Public Communications Committee.<br /><br />Panelists Dr. Amy Bernard, Dr. Jess Steyer, Dr. Yasmin Nosini, and Dr. Elizabeth Marnik shared how they entered science communication and why they believe scientists must communicate more clearly, humanely, and accessibly. They emphasized that the goal is not to oversimplify, but to explain science with accuracy, empathy, and nuance. A major theme was that trust is built through human connection: people respond better when scientists share who they are, speak without condescension, and acknowledge uncertainty honestly.<br /><br />The discussion addressed common challenges, including rage bait, conspiracy theories, trolls, and emotionally charged topics like vaccines. Panelists advised setting boundaries, not feeling responsible for convincing everyone, and recognizing that online outrage is not always the full audience. They stressed that many skeptical people are influenced by their community, family, and information ecosystem, so changing minds often takes time and repeated, compassionate engagement.<br /><br />Audience questions explored whether scientists should be doing all the outreach themselves. Panelists agreed that communication should be more systematized and professionally supported through training, funding, institutional incentives, and partnerships with community messengers, educators, and influencers. They concluded that science communication is a collective effort rooted in community, curiosity, and trust-building across many settings—not just on social media.

Meta Tag

Room 151

Session Conversations that Connect: Helping the Public Understand, Trust, and Engage with Science, Sponsored by the AAI Public Communications Comm.

Speaker Ross Kedl

Track Career/Networking (CAREER/NET)

Year 2026

Keywords

science communication

public trust

misinformation

immunology

AAI

science outreach

trust building

media outreach

community engagement

scientific communication

vaccine communication

public-facing science

151

Conversations that Connect: Helping the Public Understand, Trust, and Engage with Science, Sponsored by the AAI Public Communications Comm.

Ross Kedl

Career/Networking (CAREER/NET)

2026