The result was Global Science TV, a series that features scientists sharing educational, entertaining and informative content on issues of major scientific relevance. Global Science TV is presented by Nuala Hafner and supported by ISC Members, and aims to champion the role of science by framing the issues, explaining areas of complexity and proposing possible solutions to a general audience.
With the expert assistance of the Australian Academy’s video production team, Global Science TV first aired on 12 May 2020 and included guests such as the ISC’s three Patrons, Mary Robinson, Ismail Serageldin and Vint Cerf.
ISC Patron Vint Cerf is one of the ‘fathers of the internet’, and Google’s ‘Chief Internet Evangelist’. In an interview for Global Science TV, Cerf shared some surprising fears about the future of the web.
The series is primarily aimed at those outside the science community, who otherwise have minimal or no exposure to scientific content, as well as policy- and decision-makers who are engaged with the ISC through social media channels.
The most popular format has proven to be ‘science explained’, with videos such as ‘Arctic ice keeps shrinking. Here’s what that means for all of us’, ‘COVID-19: The facts about airborne transmission’ and ‘Scientists detect an “impossible” black hole. Here’s what that means’ all among the most watched in the series.
The future success of Global Science TV will depend on building on the lessons learned in its first year of operation, expanding its digital oversight committee to include a global cohort of natural and social science experts, increasing engagement with ISC Members to include multiple language options and local hubs which could assist in producing content, and developing a broader funding base.
The ISC is grateful to the Australian Academy of Science for their leadership and expertise in this project.