You've Been Scienced: Communicating Military Science and Technology with Social Media

The Department of Defense launched the weekly podcast, Armed with Science, to provide meaningful information to the public about the importance of science and technology to military operations. The program features live interviews with scientists, administrators, and other subject matter experts who discuss cutting-edge scientific research and development, as well as related topics such as science policy, science education, and history. Armed with Science leverages creative talent from an array of Defense Department print, video, and social media assets, and spans over 50 scientific organizations across the federal government.

Social media is used to engage the show’s audience in a reciprocal dialogue, collect feedback, and take questions live during shows. Often, an interview explores sensitive topics with national security implications or topics that are considered too technical for a general audience. Thus, the success of Armed with Science relies on coordination between public affairs colleagues throughout the federal government to identify topics and choose interviewees who can make science understandable to a diverse audience.

In the spirit of scientific pursuits, Armed with Science embraces the model of experimentation, pushing the limits of what technologies and approaches can be used to engage the public. In 2010, the podcast will expand to a broader science hub that includes video and blog contributions from Defense Department scientists, as well user-generated content from the public.