The Research Communication Paradox: Should Researchers Become Content Creators?

What happens when the people who discover life-changing research can't, or won't, explain it to the people who need it most? In this conversation, we explore why scientists and researchers need to communicate beyond academic and scientific jargon, what happens when research becomes isolated from the public, and whether scientists should be expected to become communicators themselves. We also unpack some of the tensions behind science communication. Thandi Magwai, public health practitioner and creator of The Breakdown Project, shares her journey from medical science research to public health and research translation, and why she believes making science understandable is only part of the problem. The conversation also explores a bigger question: if research is meant to improve lives, what happens when the people who could benefit from it cannot access, understand or engage with it? This conversation is also part of the thinking behind an upcoming Research Communication course, designed to help researchers communicate their work more effectively to audiences beyond academia. The Breakdown Project is a public health and research translation platform focused on making science make sense — without stripping away the science. Watch, think, question and tell us what you think. ABOUT THE CONVERSATION This episode is a collaboration between The Breakdown Project and Thabani Mtsi - a Communication coach. Thabani Mtsi 📺 Youtube:    / @thabanimtsi   and    / @growing_confidence   🎵TikTok:   / thabani.mtsi   📸 Instagram:   / thabani_mtsi   Thandi Magwai 🧠 The Breakdown Project: thebreakdownproject.co.za 📺 Youtube:    / @thebreakdownproject   🎵 TikTok: www.tiktok.com/‪@thandimagwai5759‬ 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/the_breakdown_project?igsh=YnU4a3VncXp4ajV1 📧 Contact: team@thebreakdownproject.co.za