Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
RAS January Public Talk - online only - Dr Sam Illingworth
Science communication through poetry - from dissemination to participation
6pm
In this talk I will explore the unique role of poetry in enhancing science communication across various disciplines, reflecting on how poetry can serve as a powerful medium to convey scientific concepts and discoveries to a diverse audience. Moving beyond conventional methods, I emphasise the potential of poetry to bridge the gap between complex scientific ideas and public understanding. My focus will be on demonstrating how poetic narratives can illuminate subjects ranging from the microcosm of molecular biology to the vastness of astrophysics, making science more accessible and engaging. I will share examples from my own experiences where poetry has helped to distill and communicate scientific concepts in a more relatable and emotive manner. The aim is to provide insights and strategies for incorporating poetic elements into communicating science, fostering a deeper connection between science and society. This talk is an invitation to consider poetry not just as an artistic expression, but as an innovative tool for effective science communication.
About our speaker
Dr Sam Illingworth is an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, poet, and award-winning science communicator. His work and research involve using poetry to help develop dialogue between scientists and other publics to help diversify and democratise science. He is also Chief Executive Editor of Geoscience Communication, and the founder of Consilience, the world's first science and poetry peer-reviewed journal. You can find out more about his work via his website www.samillingworth.com.
RAS January Public Talk - online only - Dr Sam Illingworth
Science communication through poetry - from dissemination to participation
6pm
In this talk I will explore the unique role of poetry in enhancing science communication across various disciplines, reflecting on how poetry can serve as a powerful medium to convey scientific concepts and discoveries to a diverse audience. Moving beyond conventional methods, I emphasise the potential of poetry to bridge the gap between complex scientific ideas and public understanding. My focus will be on demonstrating how poetic narratives can illuminate subjects ranging from the microcosm of molecular biology to the vastness of astrophysics, making science more accessible and engaging. I will share examples from my own experiences where poetry has helped to distill and communicate scientific concepts in a more relatable and emotive manner. The aim is to provide insights and strategies for incorporating poetic elements into communicating science, fostering a deeper connection between science and society. This talk is an invitation to consider poetry not just as an artistic expression, but as an innovative tool for effective science communication.
About our speaker
Dr Sam Illingworth is an Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, poet, and award-winning science communicator. His work and research involve using poetry to help develop dialogue between scientists and other publics to help diversify and democratise science. He is also Chief Executive Editor of Geoscience Communication, and the founder of Consilience, the world's first science and poetry peer-reviewed journal. You can find out more about his work via his website www.samillingworth.com.
