Alda Center Experts Discuss Intersections of AI and Science Communication on Swedish Research Council Podcast

Scientists are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to advance their research, and now, Stony Brook University experts are exploring how AI can transform the way we communicate about science itself.

Laura Lindenfeld, dean of the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) and executive director of the Alda Center for Communicating Science, and Matthew Salzano, IDEA Fellow in Ethical AI in the SoCJ, were recently featured on the Swedish Research Council's podcast, where they explored relationships between AI, science and communication.

The episode, which is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, examines how artificial intelligence is changing the way we share scientific information. Along with host Anders Bjers, recipient of the Bicentennial Swedish-American Exchange Funds travel grant, Lindenfeld and Salzano discussed how the Alda Center is responding to various aspects of AI and its impact on the scientific community.

The Alda Center uses innovative techniques, including improvisational theater, to help scientists and other STEM professionals communicate their work in clear and engaging ways. "We start with the premise that connection is key," Lindenfeld explains. "We start with interpersonal communication. But this really translates to writing, to using media, that you're always imagining what your audience thinks and feels so that you can be present with them in a way that would matter to them."

Salzano connects the core principles of improv taught at the Alda Center - like always building upon what your partner suggests in a principle called "yes, and" - to how science communicators can approach AI. "What 'yes, and' does, what improv does, is it's much more affirmative. It's about, 'Okay, I'm going to trust that you are actually … an audience that is willing to work with me, and I'm going to try to figure out how we can adapt to each other to do something exciting, to form a communicative environment that's really helpful and actionable,'" Salzano says. "And really, that's what we're doing with AI tools as well: adapting to them, trying to find the affirmative way forward rather than just the defense we need to have against it."

Lindenfeld and Salzano express both optimism and caution regarding the future of AI in science communication. They emphasize the need for training programs, ethical guidelines, and collaboration between scientists and communicators to ensure responsible and effective use of AI.

The podcast episode emphasizes that while AI presents both opportunities and challenges for science communication, the Alda Center's focus on connection, empathy, and ethics provides a strong foundation for navigating this new landscape. The podcast episode serves as a starting point for future collaborations and exchanges between Stony Brook University and the Swedish Research Council on the evolving landscape of science communication in the era of artificial intelligence.

To listen to the full podcast episode, visit Spotify and Apple Podcasts.