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Social media is a critical tool for science advocacy. Your work has the potential to inform policy, influence funding and encourage public understanding of science. Through social media, you can amplify your voice to connect with a large and diverse audience, from fellow scientists to policymakers. This toolkit was created to help you utilize social media to advocate for your research and the impact of basic science as a whole. You’ll find guidance on:

• Social media basics
• Building connections
• Long-form and short-form text content
• Video content
• Professional social networks

Science advocacy is about more than just sharing your research. It’s about creating connections, teaching others and building momentum for change. This toolkit will serve as a starting point for those looking to jump into the world of online advocacy.

Social media basics

The first step in online advocacy is joining the websites or apps that interest you. Take the time to consider what style of media speaks to you, whether that be text, video or images. There is a social media platform for everyone!

Choosing a username or handle is another important aspect of social media. Your username can be as simple as your full name or include something from your research area.

Sample usernames: @DrJaneDoe, @BiochemBrandon, @ScienceWithSarah

Try to secure the same username across platforms so that your connections can find you most easily. It is also important to have a clear and recognizable profile photo.

Sample profile pictures

Bios are another important part of building a profile. Make sure your bio is concise but includes details such as your qualifications and affiliations. When necessary, according to your organization or employer, note that opinions are your own.

Sample bios

Molecular Biologist | Advocate for AMR Research | #ScienceSavesLives

PHD student studying metabolic pathways in cancer at XYZ University (Opinions my own)

Postdoc fellow | New York City | #STEMEducation Advocate

If possible, add a link in your bio to your organization or university’s website verifying your credentials.

Building connections

A strong network is crucial for sharing your research and advocating for causes you believe in. By engaging with the right people and communities, you can amplify your voice to new audiences.

Follow colleagues, institutions and policymakers: Start by connecting to people and institutions you know like your alma mater, colleagues and professional organizations you are a part of. For advocacy, it is important to connect to those who are involved in the policy decision-making process. Connecting with your representatives in Congress will allow you to have an additional mechanism for advocacy.

Utilize hashtags: Hashtags help people find your posts so make sure to use tags that relate to your content. One of the best ways to find hashtags is to use what you see other scientists posting. Popular hashtags include: #ScienceMatters, #ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike, #SupportScience, #FundScience and #STEMEducation.

Utilize groups: On networks like Facebook and LinkedIn, groups help to connect like-minded professionals. Search terms related to your field to find groups that suit your interests.

Actively participate: It’s not enough to just make an account, you have to use it! Share your own thoughtful posts and comment meaningfully on other’s posts. Use your platform to support science and issues that matter to you.

Short-form text (X/Twitter, Bluesky, Threads)

Short-form text platforms are a great place for sharing brief insights and updates as well as connecting with fellow scientists, policymakers, etc. Use simple and concise language so that a wide variety of people can understand your content.

“Excited to share our latest paper on ____________! Check it out here: [link] #SupportScience #FundScience”

It is also a great way to contact your representatives in Congress. Tag their accounts in your posts advocating for science policy issues that matter to you!

Long-form text and blogs (Medium, Tumblr, Substack)

Long-form text platforms are best for deep dives into your work. This is a place to explain your research or comment on current science policy and news. Blog posts demonstrate your expertise and give more context to your position.

When writing long-form content, focus on making it engaging for all audiences. Explain why your research matters, show your methods, share your findings and connect it to a common and recognizable issue. If you have a short-form text platform, share the link to your blog post there for a broader reach!

Short-form video (TikTok, Instagram and Facebook Reels, YouTube Shorts)

Short-form video is one of the most significant and rapidly growing forms of media which can allow you to easily reach a large audience. This is a great place to show your experiments, share basic science facts or give a glimpse into the life of a scientist through a short "day in my life” video.

Keep your videos brief (ideally under 60 seconds) and fun by adding music or effects. This type of content makes science more accessible and allows you to show people why they should care about basic science.

Long-form video (YouTube, Podcasts)

Long-form video is a place for more in-depth discussions regarding your research, science policy and news. This can include interviews with other scientists or a deep dive into your research. For example, you could create and post a video of you and your colleagues discussing why funding ____________ is important. If you have a short-form text platform, share the link to your video or podcast there for a broader reach!

Professional social networks (LinkedIn)

Professional social networks are a great way to share achievements, connect with other thought leaders and advocate for issues that are important to you. Use it to post about publications or articles, share updates on your research and champion science policies that you believe in.

Be sure to interact with other accounts and posts by thoughtfully commenting on content that you are knowledgeable about or reposting information you want to share with your network. Remember to remain professional and polished on platforms like LinkedIn!

Social media as a tool for change

Social media is a significant tool in creating change. As a scientist, your voice is crucial in the online world. By using these platforms, you can break down complex issues, inspire public trust in science, combat misinformation and advocate for policies and funding that support research.

Whether you’re recording a TikTok or tweeting at your representatives, every post offers the possibility to bring science to the forefront of our society. Remember, your work has real-world implications, and the broader public wants to hear about it! By sharing your thoughts, research and findings, you can inspire others to act in support of science. Your advocacy efforts can and will make a difference, so use your voice to create a more informed world.