Søren Riis Paludan: “I feel that I’ve contributed to a more enlightened public debate during the Covid pandemic”

What are your motivations for sharing your knowledge as an expert commentator?

In general, I find it motivational to bring my expertise into play, either in relation to public information or policy making. Specifically, I first became an expert source when the media contacted me at the beginning of the pandemic in 202, when everyone – myself included – realised what a huge demand there was for knowledge about viruses, infection and vaccines. Before that, I didn’t have a lot of experience in communicating my expertise to people outside my field, so it was a steep learning curve for a pure scientist like myself.

What do you consider before saying yes or no to an interview?

My gut feeling is what mostly guides me: Do I have time? Do I want to? And is this something where my knowledge can make a difference? I don’t have any fixed criteria as such, so I decide on a case-by-case basis. But over time, I’ve learned that I what I like best is participating in something that has substance. Not something superficial where you’re just expected to make a quick comment, or where a media outlet needs a ‘the professor says’ stamp on an article.

How do you prepare?

It depends entirely on the interview. If it’s about general knowledge within my research field, it doesn’t take so much preparation. But if it’s more specific, I take the time to review the relevant literature and read up on the details.

How do you balance the goal of communicating your knowledge in an accessible way with your commitment to scientific rigour?

The first few times I did media appearances, I probably spoke mostly to other researchers when I was interviewed. I was very focussed on being completely correct –  because what would they think if I said something that was simplified or wrong? I was really concerned about whether it might be a slippery slope for me to leave that highly technical language behind. But that quickly changed, because after a lot of interviews I realised that my messages wouldn’t be any less scientific or correct just because I was speaking in a more understandable language. Today, I speak to the ordinary educated person. I try to find the right balance and to avoid being overly nerdy. Journalists also help a lot, because they keep on asking questions until they understand what I mean. That forces me to express myself in a way that makes sense to people who aren’t scientists.

How do you deal with the criticism or pushback that expert commentators sometimes have to deal with?

It depends on where the criticism comes from. If it comes from politicians or other people from outside my field, I usually ignore it. But if it’s from my scientific peers, I listen, because I suppose I’m more vain when it comes to criticism from academia. Fortunately, I haven’t been subject to such harsh criticism that I’ve had to ‘put out fires’. I stand by my statements, which are based on solid scientific knowledge, but I’m open to knowledge and viewpoints based on other frames of reference.

What impact do you think your role as an expert has had – both for you and for the public debate?

I feel that I’ve contributed to a more enlightened public debate during the Covid pandemic. But it hasn’t changed anything for me as a private person, or in my research career – aside from the fact that I’ve gotten busier.

Do you check people’s comments on social media after your media appearances?

No, I don’t. I have a LinkedIn profile, but I don’t use it very often. My impression is that it’s hard to start a well-informed discussion on social media. People are welcome to disagree with me – that doesn’t bother me. But I don’t need to get into it – it just doesn’t do anything for me.

What do you do to get off the media treadmill?

My own engagement in the media doesn’t take up that much space right now. During the pandemic, I sometimes turned off my phone so I could unplug completely. But today there’s not the same pressure or demand for me any more. So I’m generally available when I’m asked.

What's your best advice for colleagues who are considering making public media appearances?

Try to keep control over how you’re used and participate in a way that feels right for you. At the same time, accept that it will be less scientifically precise than what you’re used to communicating with your peers. Define and delimit your area of expertise so you only participate when it’s really relevant. I think that we as scientists have a responsibility to share our knowledge, but that doesn’t mean you should say yes every single time.