Public Science
Our current projects:
Public science in behavioral genetics: Scientists’ views on engagement, misunderstandings, and incentives
Project leads: Camille M. Williams (Université PSL, Département d′Études Cognitives) & Robbee Wedow
Major collaborators: Stephanie Estrera (Florida State University), Kathryn F. Malerbi (Purdue University), Evan J. Giangrande (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard), Lucas Matthews (Columbia University), Gianna Rea-Sandin (University of Minnesota Medical School), Olivia C. Robertson (Baylor College of Medicine), Margot van de Weijer (University of Amsterdam)
Objective: To examine how geneticists and researchers in related disciplines engage in public science communication, the topics and misconceptions they most frequently address, the barriers that limit participation, and the kinds of institutional support that could improve public engagement in genetics research.
Summary: This project investigates how researchers in behavior genetics and psychiatric genetics engage in public science communication at a time of growing public interest in and concern about genetic research. By surveying members of major international genetics associations (the Behavior Genetics Association, the International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society, and the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics), the study provides insight into scientists’ own perspectives on communicating complex and frequently misunderstood concepts such as heritability, genetic determinism, and gene–environment interactions. The project also identifies institutional barriers to engagement and highlights practical strategies that journals, funders, and professional organizations can implement to support more accessible and effective communication of genetic science.
Making Sense of Genetics: Public Understandings and Interpretations of Genetic Concepts and Technologies in Indiana
Project leads: Kathryn F. Malerbi & Robbee Wedow
Objective: To capture how genetics is understood and discussed in everyday contexts across diverse urban and rural settings in Indiana. In particular, the study examines how individuals make sense of genetics in relation to broader ideas about identity, health, and human traits.
Summary: Using semi-structured interviews conducted in public settings, the study seeks to engage participants in brief, conversational exchanges with individuals who may not typically participate in formal discussions about science or policy. The expected outcome of the study is the development of qualitative themes and interpretive frameworks describing how individuals construct meaning around genetics in everyday life. These findings will contribute to research in science communication and the public understanding of science.
