Communicating Science at 24 fps

Abstract

Video storytelling is a powerful way to share science with the research community and general public. Films can illustrate complex scientific concepts and democratize access to high quality science. In this work, we describe three categories of films created by us in collaboration with students, postdocs and principal investigators. First, behind‐the‐scenes videos of in‐progress experiments, shot in the lab and annotated with relevant context, provide global audiences with a candid view of the scientific process and personas. Second, promotional films created for well‐defined R&D stakeholder groups such as academic departments and graduate programs serve to highlight research philosophies, core values and technical strengths. Third, showcase videos on state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation facilities enable leadership and potential donors to appreciate shared‐resource models that exemplify collaboration and facilitate ambitious research programs. These videos address important goals for the research community such as faculty/student recruiting, fundraising and science advocacy. The biomedical research community would be well‐served in its overarching goals by embracing films as essential components of an increasingly complex science communication ecosystem.At KathASK Films, we combine more than 25 years of life sciences research experience with a passion for creative art and storytelling to produce impactful science videos. Our interdisciplinary background in basic research and sensitivity towards under‐represented attributes such as gender bias, racial disparity and mental health stigma allows us to weave the science and its underlying human element into engaging stories.