Giving Compass' Take:

• Entertainment media offers a unique opportunity to educate the public and spur interest in science. Funders are taking this opportunity in stride. 

• What forms of media are the most effective for reaching the public? How should funders balance scientific accuracy and detail with reach? 

• Learn how video games can help to teach biomedical education. 

We know that science is at the center of contentious debate on a number of issues such as climate change and vaccine safety. But if The Big Bang Theory—America’s most popular sitcom about a group of lovable physicists—is a testament to anything, it’s that science is also a welcome and inescapable part of people’s lives. And funders who care about science and civic life want to make sure this positive trend continues. The question is: How do we continue reaching new and diverse audiences with science content that sparks curiosity and learning?

Earlier this month, in collaboration with the Rita Allen Foundation, Media Impact Funders presented a webinar exploring how popular culture can elevate the public’s understanding of science. It offered funders a glimpse into how two foundations—the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Simons Foundation—are supporting and disseminating science content to a broad audience.

The webinar was the latest in a series of conversations aimed at building a network of funders who are increasingly focusing on connections between science and civic life, and who want to engage more with research and practice around effective science communication and engagement.

Read the full article about popular culture's impact on the public's understanding of science by Nina Sachdev at Media Impact Funders.