General Session & Keynote Address Featuring Erin Allmann Updyke and Erin Welsh

Science Communication Though Conversation

Session Description: Erin and Erin began This Podcast Will Kill You in 2017 for two primary reasons: first, because they had begun to feel an increasing disconnect between academic research and the general public and wanted to try to bridge that gap, and second, because they just loved talking about diseases. Over the last seven years and over 200 episodes, This Podcast Will Kill You has reached millions of listeners around the world, scientists and non-scientists alike, and has worked towards demystifying how science is done to increase trust and understanding with the general public. In this keynote, Erin and Erin explore what is driving this rise in anti-science sentiment and what we’re up against when it comes to addressing the widespread mistrust in science and scientists. They share some of their lessons in science communication, including the importance of scientific storytelling, how to tailor your explanation for a specific audience, and why admitting what you don’t know is an undervalued strength.