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Earlier this month, climate scientist Daniel Swain described how he put his research on hold to answer journalists’ questions when wildfires engulfed California in 2020. He suggests that many others with relevant expertise would be prepared to do the same, but that a lack of support from institutions is holding them back.

Three-quarters of readers, both researchers and non-researchers, agreed that public engagement should be part of scientists’ responsibilities. Many cautioned that researchers shouldn’t be put under pressure: those who want to share their expertise should receive support and training, but it shouldn’t be mandatory.

Public engagement “should be compensated and incentivized in recruitment and career progression, rather than frowned upon or seen as yet another unpaid set of tasks over and above an already heavy workload”, adds environmental scientist Helen Avery.

“I would love it if my role didn’t need to exist,” says climate-science communicator Brian Barnes. “The countless scientists and researchers I have worked with have demonstrated that we desperately need dedicated science communication courses within any science based degree. The principles aren’t difficult but they are counter to what so many researchers are taught.”