Using Narrative and Data to Communicate the Value of Science

How should we convey science—both its findings and its value to society—to the many members of the public who lack either scientific training or intense interest in scientific progress? In October 2016 the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop to explore ways of better presenting science—both specific findings and the processes of discovering and confirming—to the public. Participants discussed ways to develop data-enriched narratives that communicate to the public and policy makers in an engaging and rigorous way the work of basic research. They also explored the varied ways in which research provides the foundation for products, services, and activities that are of broad benefit to humanity. This publication briefly summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.