Peter Hotez: Why Experts Should Embrace Science Communication

"We've lost our interest in engaging the public."

Citing the rise of the anti-vaccine movement, Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, explains the role scientists can play in building trust and literacy by engaging the public.

While past academic attitudes tended to see this open door approach as insufficiently humble, the internet has dramatically changed expectations around science communication and provided a new platform that (for better or worse) isn't going away.

Hotez is a physician and researcher with experience in neglected tropical diseases and vaccine development. At Baylor College of Medicine, Hotez is the Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine.

Dr. Hotez is also involved in vaccine development efforts related to SARS-CoV-2. He also recently authored a paper proposing a federally directed but state-adaptive reopening centered on the goal of acceptable containment of COVID-19 nationally within a relatively quick period through intense measures.