Book Description Review Quotes Contents Case Studies & Excerpts Resources
Book Description

Will you please just listen to me? If you are a scientist, or a fan of science, have you ever wondered why your fact-based explanation of ground-breaking scientific research falls flat with family, friends, and the general public?  Do you want your research to matter to society and not simply be confined to arcane discussion in academic circles? Social science communicator Anne Helen Toomey argues that science today faces a public-relations crisis due to its historic emphasis on “trickle-down research,” and she calls for a whole-scale change in how scientists engage with the world. This book is a guide for the scientific community and its allies to build public trust in science—and scientists—again.

In this accessible volume, Toomey unpacks why “facts” mean different things to different people and how science-based attitudes and behaviors spread. Using humor, stories, and down-to-earth examples from her own science journey, she explains why seemingly straightforward evidence can sometimes feel irrelevant, or even threatening, to a skeptical public. This practical, how-to guide will help scientists think more carefully about the choices they make even before collecting data. It explores how researchers and others who work with science can address public distrust, communicate about uncertainty, and engage with policymakers for real-world impact.

Science with Impact argues that science can—and should—make a meaningful difference in society. It offers hope and guidance to those of us who wish to take the steps to make it so.  
 

Review Quotes

"With humility, a little humor, and a sage voice, Science with Impact serves as a call to action for scientists to reach beyond the academic arena and communicate their research in a way that makes a difference."
Journal of Science Communication

"Scientists, academic administrators, funders of research, and policy makers would all benefit from reading Science with Impact."
Wildlife Activist

"[Toomey] provides well-researched, extensive footnotes and references for each chapter, and additional resources on the publisher’s website. An engaging read for science students or scientists who need help thinking critically about how their work will impact others, or anyone looking for inspiration on how scientific communication could better serve society."
Choice

"Anne Toomey's writing is as engaging as it is authoritative. The lived authenticity of her narrative is what makes Science with Impact so compelling and useful."
Mark Reed, Professor and Centre Director, Scotland's Rural College; CEO, Fast Track Impact; and author of "The Research Impact Handbook"

"A wonderful travelogue through the how and why of communicating sound science. Anne Toomey wrestles with the dilemmas of advocacy, ethics, and changing evidence, and makes a compelling case for better conversations about research."
Tracey Brown, OBE, Director, Sense about Science

"I love this book! Anne Toomey provides practical advice for achieving impactful science by deftly weaving together stories and cutting-edge research findings from many different disciplines."
Kevin C. Elliott, Professor, Michigan State University and author of "A Tapestry of Values"

Contents

Introduction: Science—The Next Generation

Part One: Searching for Impact
Chapter 1. Will You Please Just Listen to Me?
Chapter 2. Will I Please Just Listen to You?
Chapter 3. From Impact to Encounter
 
Part Two: The Spaces of Scientific Impact
Chapter 4. Asking a Good Question
Chapter 5. The Privilege of Choice: Methods, Permissions, and Location
Chapter 6. The Power of Participation: Data Collection and Analysis
Chapter 7. Rethinking the “Peer” in Peer Review
 
Part Three: The End Is Just the Beginning
Chapter 8. The Scientist Next Door: Conversations, Communities, and Connections
Chapter 9. The Skeptic in the Mirror: The Essential Role of Uncertainty in Science
Chapter 10. In the Belly of the Beast: Scientists, Policy-Making, and Advocacy
Conclusion and Acknowledgments: From Boldly Going to Steadily Engaging

Notes
Index
About the Author
 

Case Studies & Excerpts

Read the introduction and Chapter 1: Will You Please Just Listen to Me? below or download it here.

Educator Resources

Read the expanded table of contents below or download them here.

Read the educator materials, including a starting guide, syllabus, research questions, and final project template below or download them here.

 

Get the slides for classroom use created by Anne Toomey here.
Note, this is a 131 MB zip file and only for educational purposes.

Download the flowcharts mentioned in the book here or read them below.