With his radio chronicles, Adam Brown, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Science Department of Biology as well as in the Faculty of Education, shows how informative discussion on media platforms can help broaden our knowledge on scientific topics.
In hopes of bringing an understanding and appreciation of science to the public, including both adults and children, Prof. Brown created and presented a series of science radio chronicles on Radio Unique FM 94.5 in Ottawa. Michel Picard, host of radio show presenting these chronicles, invited Professor Brown to discuss scientific topics relevant to current events. For instance, they addressed plastic pollution, entomology, organic farming and more. These French-language radio columns were initially broadcast weekly and eventually transitioned to a monthly basis with Professor Brown also giving numerous lectures at the university.
According to Prof. Brown, the public’s understanding of science has important implications for the functioning of a democracy, as citizens should feel empowered to make informed decisions for themselves on issues such as the environment, health and technology. He adds, “For me, science communication to the public is part of my civic duty to share our knowledge from the university level to that of society and to enlighten and inform people by sharing my passion for science, nature and the environment.”
Developing exciting outreach projects is not foreign to Professor Brown, who has contributed to various media activities in the past, such as nature shows, children’s television shows and media interviews in both English and French. In fact, he is always looking for new opportunities to entertain citizens and empower them to make evidence-based decisions on societal issues related to science. Currently he is working as a co-producer, writer and narrator of an upcoming science education series on evolution for the Canadian National Film Board in French and English.
