• Question: How should we act about stereotypes for scientists?

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      Asked by anon-129382 to Megan, Mzamo, Ola, Olivia, Weiyi on 10 Nov 2016.
      • Photo: Ola Michalec

        Ola Michalec answered on 10 Nov 2016:

        If they’re harmful stereotypes, we should connect scientists with non-scientists and show that we’re people as well, just like everyone else! This event is a good example of this, cause you can see that we also have hobbies, friends and can speak in a language which is understandable by the most 🙂

        on the other hand – us -researchers- we need to think where do stereotypes come from, can we do anything about them? e.g. can we train in science communication?

        Also, there is a lot to say about the classic Einstein-like “face” of a scientist – someone older with grey hair, male. This is not the only option! we need to show a whole variety – e.g. in TV, public events, internet:)

      • Photo: Megan Seymour

        Megan Seymour answered on 10 Nov 2016:

        Hopefully this event has helped to confirm that we are actually all pretty normal people!
        If your generation can grow up knowing that, it will naturally be passed on to the next- so that’s why we’re working really hard to get out there and bust those myths!

      • Photo: Olivia Ashton

        Olivia Ashton answered on 12 Nov 2016:

        As with most stereotypes, they should be taken with a pinch of salt. that means not 100% believing it.

        Im sure there are scientists out there who match up to what people expect a scientist to be like, and others who will completely flip that around. Hopefully we’ve shown you how different scientists can be, whilst all being quite normal and accessible – easy to talk to!

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