More Science on TV, Better Science on TV
Battlestar Galactica is hardly the only place you’ll see science in popular entertainment. Technical issues from physics to biomedicine permeate hit series like CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Big Bang Theory that attract mainstream audiences. The National Academy of Sciences capitalized on the phenomenon when it created the Science & Entertainment Exchange—a program to foster collaboration between the entertainment industry and scientists and engineers. Chris Mooney reported on his experience at the Exchange’s debut in Los Angeles last fall.
The X-Change Files, the program’s blog, launched today with a post from the Exchange’s director, Jennifer Ouellete. She addressed the value of a symbiotic relationship between scientists and Hollywood, writing that a scientist at the launch symposium “said it made him think about the implications of his own research in interesting new ways.” She went on: “Numerous writers were thrilled to discover the rich tapestry of scientific ideas available to them, and came away inspired about new creative projects.”
Through the Exchange, entertainment leaders have the privilege of learning about cutting-edge science they can use as fresh, realistic story plots, while scientists gain an outlet to engage new audiences in accurate science. The goal is not to turn movies and TV shows into a series of science lessons, Mooney pointed out. Rather, Ouelette writes, it will “offer a viable alternative” to troublesome stereotypes and misconceptions about scientific ideas. The Exchange broadens possibilities for science communication while helping to satisfy popular culture’s appetite for shows with science plots.
(HT: Framing Science)
Image: AP/Matt Sayles
Comments on this article
By clicking and submitting a comment I acknowledge the Science Progress Privacy Policy and agree to the Science Progress Terms of Use. I understand that my comments are also being governed by Facebook's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
