Thread by @NYCuratrix

Now up is @BrytheFlyGuy on how to translate the hard science behind systematics and taxonomy to the public through #scicomm #SpnhcTdwgNZ

(You might remember him from the time he named a golden-butted fly af Beyonce.)

He compares radio interviews to kale: you probably don’t like it/them the first time, but then you know it’s good for you and eventually come to like it/them.

The collections at @CSIROnews don’t have a public exhibit space so promoting this science behind them is very challenging.

Museums use social media, give tours of collections, hold events, digitize specimens for public use, go to schools and bring teachers to the museum, interact with artists, and translate pubs to popular science articles.

Our president is afraid of sharks. The queen of Netherlands unhesitatingly scooped up maggots and called them beautiful.

Wow! Searching on the hashtag #Diptera, @BrytheFlyGuy discovered a new species when someone posted a photo. Now THERE is a clear benefit of #scitwitter!!

Citizen science employed to do a biodiversity survey of Lord Howe island with @ausgeo - new species were discovered!

Museums can do their own science communication, but what’s even more effective is empowering the actual scientists doing the work as spokespeople. More approachable than asking the institution as a whole. (👉@AMNH)

That said, training in effective #scicomm benefits everyone.

Check out the guide to public engagement surrounding collections, written by @BrytheFlyGuy and his Communications “guardian angel”: academic.oup.com/aesa/article/1…

“Don’t underestimate the power of a selfie.” #iamdoomed

Although entertaining posts get most engagement, important to mix with educational and promotional ones to stay on message.

The follow up interviews after the main media release and blitz should have a slightly different focus to differentiate them and keep the momentum going.

Social media can be harnessed to control the conversation, build up the suspense before the release, and join in conversation with those who are engaging, etc. Multimedia (photo, video) for all of this is key.

The blitz about the discovery of 200 new species by @CSIROnews reached over 1 million people and generated an estimated $200,000+ in free advertising for the institution. 😱

People sometimes react negatively about the collection of animals. @BrytheFlyGuy suggests to pause, collect thoughts, and then use it as an opportunity to try to educate on the importance of natural history collections.