As the March for Science in Washington DC on 22 April gathers momentum, we argue that it should be followed by ongoing scientific outreach to rural US communities. This would encourage their participation in the broader science conversation, fostering improved relationships with, and trust in, the scientific community.
These goals cannot be achieved just through the Internet and specialist research papers. We must rid ourselves of the stereotype of the ivory tower academic. As well as touring the international conference circuit, we should take local road trips to convey the exciting insights we garner through our research. Rural communities are just as interested as those in cities in how our work could apply to them and their environment.
Some US political institutions have gained rural America's trust because they listened and responded to local needs while becoming part of the community. Scientists must do the same.
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Moreno, A., Olsen, C. Take rural road trips to promote science. Nature 543, 623 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/543623a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/543623a