Storytelling is one of the oldest methods of passing on knowledge and wisdom. Stories give context to information, and entertain listeners while informing them. As mentioned in our interview with Alan Shapiro, stories are also the most effective way to share technical information:
“…. stories stick with us more easily, and we tend to relate to stories on a more personal level. We think in stories… We need to take that filter and apply it to science as well.”
At Seequent we use stories to talk about how our technology can be applied to industry challenges, to examine geological complexity, and discuss how it can inform the bigger picture.
That’s why we’re supporting scientific storytelling and our next generation of influencers, by sponsoring RFG2018 and the Data Speaks! student contest. For the Data Speaks! contest, we’re encouraging young scientists and researchers to tell the story of their work and how it applies to the future of resource management.
Judging the student’s data stories are Seequent staff from a range of roles and locations, including HR, product development and research.
Here’s what they have to say about the competition and the importance of science communication:
Every scientist needs to look at science as not just a research exercise, but also as a communication exercise… Scientists have a responsibility to be a part of that ecosystem, even if they aren’t the communicators themselves.
Tim Schurr, Solutions Architect, Christchurch office
I think there is a stigma around science, that only some people can understand it. The ability to translate science into information for everyone means that we can all have the power to use science to make a difference.
Rebecca Innes, Product Specialist, Christchurch office
Science is impacting people’s lives more and more. It’s vitally important that concepts, research and science is able to be understood by the general population. This is especially true when dealing with sciences that affect the livelihood, health and well-being of the public.
Richard Ertel, Chief Information Officer, Christchurch office
I’m really interested in the resource challenges our planet faces and keen to hear, in a way that I can understand, how our future generations see the solutions.
Vicky Unwin, HR Coordinator, Christchurch office
Science is vitally important for our future – but can be difficult for people to understand and accept. Better communications lets us make better decisions based on facts instead of fear.
Joe Walker, Software Tester, Calgary office
Part of my job is explaining how geological modelling and the Seequent software suites work. So I fully understand the challenges you face when you need to explain something that looks scary to another person, in a way they can easily understand.
Julia Oliveira, Senior Technical Leader, Santiago office
Efficient scientific communication enhances the chances of interdisciplinary advances. Not every technique has to be novel, and can be applied for interesting results in different fields. However for this to work, one has to be able to explain their findings efficiently.
Wesley Banfield, Research Engineer, Christchurch office
Good communication helps the wider public understand valuable research and it also develops key skills in the researcher. Great work is too often locked away within impenetrable jargon inside pay-wall protected journals. Science communication also focuses the researcher on understanding why their science matters.
Sam Bain, Partner Integration Manager, Perth office
Research is meaningless in isolation, it takes meaning only after it is communicated to others.
Rose Pearson, Research Engineer, Christchurch office
I’m interested to see the innovative ways that students plan to tackle these enormous challenges facing humankind.
Geoff Horn, Commercial Manager, Christchurch office
Unless you communicate, no one will know what’s happening.
Michael Walker, Corporate Development & Strategic Partnerships, Christchurch office
Follow the stories as they are posted via Twitter at #SeeDataSpeak and stay updated by connecting with us on LinkedIn.
You can also watch the interviews live during trade show hours at RFG2018 at the Seequent booth (317). Please feel free to join us at the Innovation Forum on Thursday, June 21 when we present prizes to our top 5 candidates.