The Burness Effect Blog

Scientific and research institutions in the US and abroad are increasingly recognizing the importance of teaching scientists to communicate clearly and concisely to the public and other key audiences. Without this skill, science stays stuck in university laboratories never to be understood, or perhaps more importantly, appreciated for the value it brings to our society.

Dr. Elliot Krane, of the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford University Medical School and a Mayday Pain & Society Fellow, has a goal to end children’s suffering from chronic pain. One of the biggest barriers to better care for kids in his pain clinic is the lack of coverage for the treatments that will make them well.

In a New York Times article by Peter S. Goodman, three corporate giants (BP, Toyota and Goldman Sachs) are scrutinized on the art—or not so much—of crisis communications. Each company facing unique challenges, their experiences are lessons worth learning, as any organization—despite good intentions—is ultimately responsible for appeasing public opinion. The article highlighted things to remember during a crisis.

An article by The Scientist highlights why we should push to get scientists to engage with the public in a language they'll understand.

David Pogue, the technology writer at The New York Times, used last month's announcement from the Times' standards editor that reporters shouldn't use the word "tweet," to provide a basic primer on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Foursquare, and Yelp.David Pogue, the technology writer at The New York Times, used last month's announcement from the Times' standards editor that reporters shouldn't use the word "tweet," to provide a basic primer on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Foursquare, and Yelp.

One thing about the transformed world of news and information that is quite different from the past: you now have more opportunity than ever to get your story out. This is good news, and all it takes is a brief blog post—ideally with some photos or video. Check this out: The New York Times has started a blog, Scientists at Work allowing you to report about your own research in the field.

This month, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement recognized two extraordinary conservationists grappling with precisely these issues. Dr. Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Dr. Stuart Pimm of Duke University will join environmental superstars like E.O. Wilson and Jane Goodall as Tyler Prize Laureates. (Burness works with the Tyler Prize.

In a cleverly named piece ("We Have Met the Enemy and He Is PowerPoint"), Elisabeth Bumiller looks at the now infamous PowerPoint diagram of the United States' strategy in Afghanistan and the strong feelings about PowerPoint among the officers leading efforts abroad.