Thank you science championAvis Favaro
Health journalist
Avis champions science as a
journalist in residence
Avis worked as a health journalist for nearly 40 years with Global TV and CTV National. During her residency, Avis met with dozens of faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and students from across McMaster to learn about their research. Avis then offered suggestions on how to explain the importance of their work with journalists and the general public
Early in my career, I met a scientist who surprised me by speaking succinctly, clearly and in a way that was completely understandable. When I commented on his skill, and how unusual it was for me to find a scientist who communicated so effectively, he said “If you can’t explain what you do in 25 words or less, clearly, you yourself don’t know what you are doing." Scientists - you need to be able to tell people what you do, why you're doing it and where you hope the research leads you. And you need to do it clearly and succinctly to help audiences understand the research you're working on and why it is important. Throughout my career, I’ve helped health workers and scientists communicate their stories to audiences via television and web stories. I increasingly believe that scientists must take on the work of getting their own stories out, finding their own voices and creating their own information networks in addition to talking to media and at conferences. Direct communications through social media might feel uncomfortable but it works. And it helps brand scientists, builds understanding and creates more support for scientific research.
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Science Champions celebrates the students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who are helping transform our world through science communication and community outreach.
