“This event was something like a sequel to science communication training “SciComm Mission,” which had come to the end several days ago. Our speakers were interested in making science popular and in broadening the minds of all visitors who attended lectures and took part in a film show. Furthermore, in the last 7-8 years we have heard about nanotechnologies a lot. However it is little known that they are widely used almost everywhere. Nanofest aims to fill this gap,” noted Dmitry Malkov, one of organizers of the festival and Science Communication and Outreach Officer.
It costs money!
The meeting was opened by Olga Orlova, a TV presenter of PTR TV channel (Public Television of Russia), who previously took part in Communication Laboratory, and Aleksey Bobrovsiy, Doctor of chemical sciences and associate professor of Moscow State University. Thus Ms. Orlova shared her view on problems connected with presenting scientific achievements through TV. According to the expert, producing of TV content is straitened for time and money. For example, a news item about nanotechnologies will be very expensive. Moreover, it will take a lot of time because it will be necessary to attract experts in 3D computer graphics and other fields.
“Unlike radio shows or internet services a scientific TV program can`t be prepared by only one expert. Taking into account a sum of money, which should be spent on that, it`s easier to write a science book…” said Olga Orlova.
Ms. Orlova also noted that it is very hard for science journalists to understand and analyze scientific achievements without having natural-science or technical background. Thus it is more reasonable to educate researchers or engineers for journalism and PR strategies.
Underestimated LCD-devices
Aleksey Bobrovsiy told visitors about liquid crystals. Friedrich Reinitzer, an Austrian botanist, discovered their unique properties in 1888 when experimenting with cholesteryl benzoate.
“At the beginning of XX century Russian physicist Vsevolod Frederiks researched crystal orientation in external magnetic and electric fields. This research was continued only in 1968 when liquid crystals were used for the first time. Scientists weren`t dealing with this field during 80 years because they were focusing on relativity theory and quantum mechanics. In the middle 60`ss when a transistor was invented researchers started to develop electronics, which generated a need to design ways of information display. Frederiks`s effect was applied for the first LCD-devices. I suppose that if Vsevolod Frederiks hadn`t died he would have been awarded with Nobel Prize,” said Aleksey Bobrovsiy.
“Come for pictures, stay for science”
It`s a motto of a popular online science community Obrazovach. Artem Krasheninnikov, its` head, shared how he promoted the community and what SMM strategies he used. Mr. Krasheninnikov noted that Obrazovach became so popular because of inventing witty memes, jokes, and funny pictures that illustrate news. All these things are designed by both followers and special experts called picturers.
“The best way is to combine serious news with humorous pictures. It proves a famous proverb: if you want to make friends with someone just make him laugh,” mentioned Ms. Krasheninnikov.
What next?
Nanofest`s speakers are also going to present their reports in Moscow on December, 10-12. The program will be useful and interactive. There will be some special guests such as Artem Oganov, professor of Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology and State University of New York.