Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, 1:15-2:45 pm AST
* Attendees will have the chance to win signed copies of Justin Gregg’s book, Humanish: What Talking to Your Cat or Naming Your Car Reveals About the Uniquely Human Need to Humanize
Justin Gregg, PhD
Senior Research Associate and Vice President, Dolphin Communication Project
Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University
The Future of Science Communication: Why Authenticity and Vulnerability Wins
At a time when trust in science and universities faces unprecedented challenges, how scientists communicate matters more than ever. But effective science communication isn’t about starting a TikTok or launching a newsletter—it’s about showing up as a human being whenever you engage with the public. Drawing on his own journey as a scientist and science communicator with expertise spanning dolphin behavior, linguistics, psychology, and the arts, bestselling author Justin Gregg makes the case for vulnerability and authenticity in science communication. Through examples of communicators who lead with humanity and humility, he’ll show why dropping the “expert scientist” facade is the key to making people receptive to scientific ideas. This interactive session combines practical tips for better science communication with improv exercises designed to help you practice vulnerability, have fun, and showcase your humanity. Whether you’re a working scientist, student, or aspiring communicator, you’ll leave with tools to bridge the growing gap between science and society—one human conversation at a time.
About Justin
Justin Gregg is a scientist, bestselling author, and entertainer who transforms complex ideas about human and animal behavior into laugh-out-loud learning experiences. He is author of the bestseller If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity and Humanish: What Talking to Your Cat or Naming Your Car Reveals About the Uniquely Human Need to Humanize. A dolphin cognition researcher with the Dolphin Communication Project and adjunct professor at St. Francis Xavier University, Justin holds a PhD in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin. Beyond academia, Justin is a voice actor, improv instructor, podcaster, music producer, and fronts the Nova Scotia punk rock band Minivans.