Mr Science or science for everyone Scientific communication is a key asset in raising public awareness of science

Mr Science, the mediator between science and society

You studied chemistry in Aachen and then embarked on a career in scientific communication. What led you into this line of work? Did a specific event spark a desire to make science understandable for all, in particular young people?

Since I was a child, I have loved to do experiments - some of them quite dangerous. At secondary school, I became fascinated by chemistry because it helped me to embrace rationality and better understand the world around us. When I first took part in the Science Festival in 2003 as an intern, I discovered, together with a colleague, my passion for scientific demonstrations in front of an audience. Subsequently, the workshop manager (Montserrat Filella) gave us free rein to carry out all sorts of scientific experiments and events. After this first experience, the National Museum of Natural History hired us on several occasions for workshops and shows; we even went abroad, which fired up my interest even more…

The FNR considers public engagement an integral part of research, and the joint responsibility of research institutions and funding bodies. According to the institution, Mr Science is an important asset in nurturing the public's interest in science. In your opinion, why does scientific communication play such a vital role in our society?

There are more than 100 scientific mediators in Luxembourg. They focus on the most interesting discoveries in the field of science and present them in an understandable and often entertaining way to a wider audience. Firstly, it's highly important for society, because it's the only way for non-scientists to understand the key issues. However, it's also important for researchers, because many of them do not have the time or the necessary know-how to transmit their discoveries to the uniformed general public. Scientific communication is the bridge which connects these two worlds.

You have been Mr Science for the past 15 years. Have you witnessed a change in the way science is perceived amongst young people?

Yes, absolutely. A lot has changed over the past 15 years. However, that's clearly not because of me! What gives me most pleasure is that the public's attitude to scientific communication has evolved. In the past, university professors were often of the opinion that science communication was a waste of time. However, most of them now appreciate its true potential and its importance for society.

The recent pandemic has shown us the need for effective scientific communication to an adult audience, as well as its ability to improve our understanding of major global events. In light of this situation, is the FNR introducing or planning specific scientific communication measures for the general public?

The pandemic has taught us that a scientific issue can suddenly become the focus of global attention and interest. It was also interesting to see that the scientific community as a whole was called into question in the public sphere. This has provided an opportunity to clarify what science can and cannot do, and to show that knowledge is never set in stone. Other major issues deserve the attention of the whole of society, such as climate change, energy transition, genetics, artificial intelligence, the working world, etc. The science.lu team closely follows all these topics, but it is difficult to predict whether a dynamic of interest comparable to that which we recently experienced will emerge.

To conclude, please could you share with our readers the most exhilarating experience that you have had as Mr Science?

Oh, there are so many! I can do something for the hundredth time and still find it fascinating. However, my favourite experiences are the ones where I took part in the experiment. If I had to pick one moment, it would be when I experienced a loop in an aircraft. I wanted to test if a glass of water could be held upside down in a loop without any water spilling out! From a purely physical perspective, it's nothing extraordinary, but when you're holding the glass of water while the plane performs the loop, it's a really cool experience. I regularly get to live such moments of pure joy in my line of work and I'm truly grateful.

Science for curious minds - from 6 to 99 years: don't miss these amazing events!

The FNR co-organises two events which now play a vital role in popularising science in Luxembourg: the Researchers' Days and the Science Festival, which take place on an alternating basis.

This year on 25 and 26 November 2022, it's the Researchers' Days that will take centre stage. This is your chance to enjoy a hands-on experience, to ask the questions that matter to you and to get a very real and personal insight into the world of research. The first day is exclusively reserved for secondary school students - the budding scientist of tomorrow; the second day is open to the public and entry is free. Several workshops have already been announced, therefore you can plan your visit depending on your field of interest: the climate crisis, artificial intelligence, robotics, missions to space and much more. The workshops are adapted to all ages (6 to 99)... you'll be spoilt for choice!

The next edition of the Science Festival, will take place in November 2023.

When researchers meet the next generation of scientists