How to Interview a Scientist

Everyone has a different interview style. Before an interview, ask to review a paper or other background information. Do basic online research to understand the science/project/award and prepare a few specific questions.

Record the interview (with permission) in addition to taking notes. This ensures accurate quotes.

Ask these questions

  1. What did you do?

  2. What problem prompted you to conduct this research?

  3. What was your biggest finding?

  4. What did you find surprising or challenging?

  5. Why should people care about this finding, why is it significant?

  6. What is next for your research?

  7. Anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to add?

Priorities for communicators

As university science communicators it is our job to help scientists share their work in compelling and clear ways. At times it can be difficult to get a good quote. Using the phrase “In your own words, please explain [insert what you think the key point is]” can help prompt people to more succinctly describe their science. Choose quotes that show emotion, or explain a key point. Avoid quotes about nuance.

Our first priority is to get the science and the story right. That means running quotes by sources. However, avoid letting scientists replace simple quotes with overly complicated ones. It is usually not OK to let a person change someone else’s quote.

How to handle uncertainty

Some scientists will spend considerable time describing what their research doesn’t show (uncertainty). This should not be the center of your press release or story, although it can be included as a caveat near the end.

Stick to 3 examples

Concrete examples are an important way to make science relevant to society. However, providing too many examples can dilute the story. Stick to three strong examples. If you have many options choose the ones with the strongest connection to the audience.