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From nutrition scientist to nutrition communicator: why you should take the leap^1,2

¹ From the National Dairy Council, Rosemont, IL (GDM); the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA (NLC); Nutrition Impact, LLC, Battle Creek, MI (VLF); Merck & Company, Rahway, NJ (SBH); and Florida International University, Miami, FL (NSW)

Media reports about new nutrition research are abundant, but they may confuse the public when unqualified sources are quoted, findings are reported out of context, or results appear to contradict previous studies. The nutrition scientist who conducts the research is best qualified to communicate the findings accurately and within context. Yet, some nutrition scientists hesitate to speak out in the media because of barriers such as a lack of time, media skills, and support from administrators or fear that their results will be miscommunicated or sensationalized. Scientists who do grant media interviews enjoy benefits such as positively affecting the public’s eating habits, influencing health and nutrition policy, and receiving heightened attention to their work, which can lead to future research funding. Scientists who want to improve their media skills can seek support from their institution’s public relations professionals and can learn from continuing education opportunities at conferences and self-study through articles and other resources.

Key Words: Media • communications • misinformation • public health • nutrition policy

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