GIGO

Science Pinups

Does science need groupies? The thought struck me when reading a recent op-ed piece in the local paper in which a women enthused at length about visiting UK science writer Colin Tudge and his personal and professional appeal. It was a rather extraordinary paean to someone whom few would have heard of, even within the rather specialist area of science writing. A couple of days later, and one of our own noted writers, Keri Hulme, chimed in with a "hear, hear". Though he wouldn't have made it onto the pages of the Stud-Muffins of Science calendar, Colin obviously struck a chord with some in his sadly, rather small audiences.

Over the years I have met many a science groupie -- those who have their own passion, usually for specialist subjects such as astronomy or geology. These are people -- often women -- who didn't have the chance, for one reason or another, to take science to any significant level, and who feel in some way cheated of something precious because of this. They come late to their passion, but with an enthusiasm and an intensity that can be impressive to behold.

We are in the throes of yet another survey on why science isn't seen as sexy, which will, I suspect, come up with the same answers as all the previous surveys. Science, in many people's minds, is too closely identified with the drone of the dullest teacher when you're stuck in a smelly school lab on a sunny afternoon; with the white-coated, greasy-haired nerd who'd rather role-play than roller-blade.

When I was asked by the latest survey-taker what single thing I think could be done to improve the public image of scientists, I gave them the same answer they'd had eight years ago -- get a sexy scientist on Shortland Street (an idea which has occurred to more than just me if last month's Retorts column is any indication...).

Maybe we need a Jamie Oliver approach to get across the passion that can be found behind the white coat. The Naked Scientist -- now there's an image to conjure with!

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.