Science Bits or the brave world of exciting conversations

By Sofia Maciel, Technical Specialist at the Communication Service (SCOM)

Over the next few lines, I’d like to write about Science Bits, INESC TEC podcast, and to tell you about my experience running it, since the beginning of 2022. It’s been a challenge – and I’ll tell you why. First, I’d like to present some figures: 424 million; this is the estimated number of people who listen to podcasts worldwide. Soon, the listening community is expected to grow to over 500 million by the end of 2024. The current estimated number of podcasts available worldwide is 2.4 million. Overall, podcasts are expected to lead to approximately 66 million episodes. As to Portugal, a study by OberCom – Observatório da Comunicação (April 2022) shows us that close to four out of 10 (41.5%) Portuguese people who use the Internet listened to a podcast in the previous month – and if they listened to a podcast in December, they are certainly part of this group. The trend? An increase of the podcasting ecosystem, becoming – even more – part of our lives. 

In my opinion, there are several aspects that make the podcast an appealing format, whether for those who produce it, or for those who listen to it and even for those who watch it – assuming that many podcasts and their episodes are also available as videos. From the outset, I’d highlight authenticity, closeness, and ease. Authenticity in the way the contents are presented to us, the stories are told, and the interviews are conducted. Obviously, there’s some background work; yet, somehow, and as listeners, we are introduced to a conversation, as if we were part of it – even if we cannot interact with all those involved. This brings me closeness. We choose the topics that interest us, the people we want to listen to, the most convenient time to listen to podcasts, and we hang about with them during a road trip or a walk. Finally, ease. We can listen to podcasts while driving, jogging, or cooking. We can pause an episode and resume it later. There are few limits to this format. I think that’s why we appreciate it so much. This is my point of view as a listener. Now, I’d like to share with you my experience as a communication professional who oversees the production of a podcast, i.e., Science Bits. In fact, I’d like to explain to you why it is such an appealing format for science communication purposes.  

I have been managing Science Bits since 2022. When I became in charge of the podcast, I felt, on the one hand, the responsibility to continue a two-year project, which had been carried with tremendous dedication by my colleagues; on the other hand, the happiness of being able to work with something that I had never worked before – despite listening to podcasts on a daily basis. After a year, I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that it has been a challenging experience, because communicating science and technology is just that: a challenge. But it has also been rewarding, especially because of the availability and enthusiasm of our researchers, who accept the challenge and participate actively in each of the episodes – talking to me and explaining to those who are listening to the podcast the work they carry out. They enrapture me, particularly because of the way they talk about their research, the challenges they face (which do not deter them), the ways they find to improve, the results they achieve and their will to develop solutions with a clear impact on people’s lives. That’s why I believe this podcast is so interesting – and relevant – in terms of science communication: because it’s a simple conversation. And in a conversation, we can introduce everything we want, including those who are listening. The conversation is simple and natural (the authenticity I mentioned before), which brings us closer and allows us to share. Admittedly, there is an important background work, before recording, researching, and defining the themes, projects, technologies, or solutions that we will address during each episode. The script that guides said conversation stems from our interaction with the researchers. But there is something that does not come from said background work: the happiness we experience while talking about the things that move us, which is almost palpable – or, in this case, audible – in the way we express ourselves. Science Bits is just that: a stage for exciting conversations and the exchange of stories about science and technology. And I’d like to invite you to let yourselves become enraptured.