“There is nothing in life to be afraid of, only to understand.” So begins one of the most famous quotes by Marie Curie, two-time Nobel Prize winner and perhaps the most famous scientist in history.
¡He is afraid! ¡Concept! On countless occasions, fear is born of pure ignorance. This is one of the basic principles of life. Specifically, researchers are committed to studying the world around them, every day reducing a little more to what is unknown to us. We are, specifically, two scientists who work with disease-carrying mosquitoes, the animals that cause the highest number of deaths annually on the entire planet, so it’s understandable that it’s a topic that usually raises many questions when we ask it to an uninterested person. Scientific audience..
“Can a mosquito transmit COVID-19 to you?” This is one of the questions that surprised us recently. It seemed to us to have a very simple answer, simply because we had access to the information needed to answer it. This is an example of the benefit of information that is not shared, and the benefit of scientific progress that is not published. no one. That is why, for us, there is no possibility of doing science if it is not communicated. Research should always go hand in hand with communication.
It is important that this communication flows in all directions. On the one hand, towards the scientists themselves, so that the information is verified and the answers of some raise questions for others. And on the other hand towards institutions so that they can use it. For example, in our study area, it is important to notify health authorities of any case in which we detect certain pathogens in mosquitoes, so that they can track them and act accordingly. But this information network would not be complete without citizens who have the right and desire to know the world they live in and how it works. Here comes the role of what is called “scientific publishing”, which is the type of communication that interests many of us and satisfies most of us.
Communication has never been easier and it’s great to do it with just one click. But all that glitters is not gold, and true information is as easy to find as false information.
In our opinion, this is also essential, especially in the context in which we currently find ourselves. In the age of social networks, a rain of information constantly floods all our screens. Communicating has never been easier, and it’s great to do it all at once Click. But all that glitters is not gold, and true information is as easy to find as false information. In a world where “Fake news», “Trick”, “Conspiracy” or “misinformation” They’re part of our everyday vocabulary, and sometimes it’s hard to know which of the two we’re dealing with. For example, remember those videos that went viral a while ago where you “proved” that ice is not made of water? This does not happen when the information comes from reliable sources. In the midst of this vortex, scientists remain steadfast under the umbrella of science, inviting everyone who wants to take shelter under it and obtain useful, honest, and high-quality information.
We won’t lie to you, sometimes this “electronic” environment can be hostile. This is why it is important that we meet face to face, get closer and create environments in which we can have complete confidence in exchanging information. Not only that, but also where we can all enjoy the process. Dynamic, fun, inclusive and educational spaces. Where all questions have a place, and those that have no answers serve as fuel for the future. Spaces where we allow ourselves to be surprised, some by science, others by questions we have not asked ourselves. That’s why many of us continue to participate every year in the “European Researchers’ Night”, which takes place again on Friday and Saturday in hundreds of European cities. Once again, young and old alike, we will allow ourselves to be carried away by questions, by pure scientific curiosity, and by the echoing “Why?” because? Because?” That’s why, this year, we want to invite you, and everyone who comes, to join us on this very special evening. Because, as Marie Curie also said on the same occasion: “Now is the time to understand more, so we can fear less.” .
