”In the end – that’s what outreach is all about”

In 2024, I had the opportunity to be a utlånad forskare (“borrowed as a researcher”) for around 10 schools across Sweden, both in person and online, reaching about 250 students. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I’m so glad I took part in it. Here’s why I signed up – and what I took away from it.

Why sign up?

First, research has little impact if it stays locked within the scientific community. While it’s crucial to share findings with colleagues at conferences and in journals, it’s just as important to communicate (back and forth) with the broader society—especially when that research is publicly funded. The more we bridge this gap, the fewer misunderstandings we’ll have about key issues like climate change or public health, which can have serious consequences. 

Second, science education fosters not only curiosity but also critical thinking – an essential skill in todays “age of information”.

Programs like Låna en Forskare help break these stereotypes by allowing students to meet real scientists from different backgrounds. 

And third, representation matters. While diversity in science is improving, many people still hold a stereotypical view of what a scientist looks like. Programs like Låna en Forskare help break these stereotypes by allowing students to meet real scientists from different backgrounds. If a child is interested in science but has never met a researcher they can relate to, seeing one in person might make the goal feel more achievable.

What I gained

• A peek into Swedish schools – Although I’ve lived in Sweden for four years and have a Swedish sambo, this was my first real glimpse into classrooms here, which I loved.
• Teaching and public speaking – I’ve given public outreach talks before, but addressing full classrooms of students was a new and valuable experience, helping me prepare for future teaching opportunities.
• Renewed motivation – Explaining my work—whether in the lab, the field, or with DNA – reminded me of why I love what I do.
• Pure fun – Despite the hectic schedule, it was an absolute blast!

However, the best part? The students

Some of my favourite moments came from their questions. One student, after hearing about monkey research in the Peruvian Amazon, wanted to know if the monkeys “got married”. Others—both fascinated and slightly grossed out—demanded details on why and how we collect wild animal poop, and why we were so excited about it in the photos I showed. Older students were sometimes more pragmatic, asking about salaries, vacation days, and what a regular work day looked like in research.

Because in the end, that’s what outreach is all about – not just for sharing knowledge, but also for showing that science is an open path for anyone curious enough to follow it.

But the moments that stood out the most? When students asked, either directly or through their teachers, what they could do themselves to become scientists. Because in the end, that’s what outreach is all about – not just for sharing knowledge, but also for showing that science is an open path for anyone curious enough to follow it.

/ Samantha López Clinton