Heroes in science: Inspiration, influence and engagement

Abstract

Studies in many countries have examined the importance of role models, mentors and graduate supervisors in science, and some have explored the short-term impacts of science role modelling programs on young people’s engagement with science careers. Yet despite the prevalence of programs to identify, celebrate and utilize ‘science heroes’, there is a lack of systematic or significant research into the phenomenon of popular science heroes and their careers, or indeed their capabilities in science communication and engagement. Furthermore, the cultural drivers for effective communication in science are not well described; whilst numerous studies have suggested the presence of various behavioural norms within scientific cultures, little consideration has been made of communication norms and their significance within the cultures of science. The problems of influence by and on science heroes, the barriers and enablers of their potential impact and their potentially significant role within science cultures therefore form the basis for this dissertation.

The thesis takes a broad view of science heroes as communicators of influence, exploring the life histories of a subset of those nominated as science heroes to identify influences on their career pathways and life-long engagement with science, their experiences of success and of communication and the significant issues, ideas and outcomes that arise from those experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with 100 individuals in Australia, the United Kingdom and North America, including 7 for the purposes of communication context. The questions asked about many aspects of participant life experiences, including early interests and pathways in science, key motivators and influencers including ‘inspirational others’, experiences of communicating with others in a professional context, including interactions with peers, public audiences and the media, and individual communication attitudes and approaches.

Based on analysis of this data, the thesis identifies the communication characteristics and attributes of science heroes and explores the communication practices that contribute to their relative success. Evidence is presented for the power of narrative communication techniques and the use of heroic archetypes in projecting stories of success. Evidence is also presented for the presence of powerful norms and counter-norms in science communication.

The study builds on and contributes to work exploring the nature of influence in science career pathways, providing insight into the influences of contemporary science heroes and significant factors affecting science engagement and achievement. Additionally, the thesis extends the concept of normative practices and processes within science, making a case to include communication norms and counter-norms in the understanding of contemporary science.