Science is best communicated through identity and culture – how researchers are ensuring STEM serves their communities

Scientists have traditionally focused on educating the public on science or correcting misinformation. But researchers from marginalized communities often have broader goals in science communication.

By: Evelyn Valdez-Ward, University of Rhode Island; Nic Bennett, Michigan State University, and Robert N. Ulrich, University of California, Los Angeles, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 15, 2026

Words: 1,464

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Evelyn Valdez-Ward, University of Rhode Island; Nic Bennett, Michigan State University, and Robert N. Ulrich, University of California, Los Angeles

Lived experiences shape how science is conducted. This matters because who gets to speak for science steers which problems are prioritized, how evidence is translated into practice and who ultimately benefits from scientific advances. For researchers whose communities have not historically been represented in science – including many people of color, LGBTQ+ and …

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