Parallel Sessions V – 5.3 – Supporting Mental Health and Well-being for Researchers in Science Outreach and Public Engagement

Supporting Mental Health and Well-being for Researchers in Science Outreach and Public Engagement

Darragh MacCashin – MCAA, Maya Sundukova – MCAA and Sybille Luhmann – European Commission

Researchers dedicated to science outreach and public engagement face unique mental health challenges. The emotional labour of public speaking, managing expectations, and navigating the uncertainty of public reception can take a significant toll on mental well-being. Even more so when paired with internet trolls, social isolation and precarious work conditions.

This session will focus on the mental health needs of researchers involved in science communication and outreach, as well as the infrastructure that is already in place to help them.

Join us for a collaborative panel discussions that will take a look at the things that can go wrong when reaching out to the public, coping strategies for dealing with this, how to notice that a colleague is not doing well and where to find help.
In the second part of this session, we will actively involve the audience in a hands-on workshop that gives attendees practical tools to identify issues enhance self-care, and foster supportive networks.

This session is ideal for researchers, science communicators, educators, and institutional leaders who aim to create a sustainable and supportive environment for those bridging the gap between science and the public.