If we found a way to communicate Wolbachia via funny cat videos you’d reach half the world.

Brilliant, totally brilliant. And does it build on? Science. From the first description of cells to proteins, DNA, RNA to early efforts in gene therapy to the present day. Impactful science comes many pieces of a complex and not always predictable puzzle. But look at the progress.

…something that should not be forgotten. Your own field, Wolbachia, is a brilliant example of why fundamental research is fascinating both driven by curiosity and where it could lead. Bracoviruses of wasps and modulation of caterpillar immunity in the insect virus field- a favourite story of mine…

Different stories/types of engagement for different audiences. Keep in mind that funding bodies also have scientists as employees, even if governments set the tone/priorities. But even our young sctientists need to understand that many small leaps and the occasional big leap lead to progress…

The message from history of science -including very recent events- is really a message we need to promote better to decision makers and funders.

There is always a question of scale- 1 year, 5 years, decades down the line…? A small circle of specialists or transformative? The enormous success of curiosity driven research and the impact on our lives in every aspect -just the fact that we’re discussing this on here is testimony to this.

A”why am I so great” AI….actually a great demonstration how LLMs can easily reflect the flaws of their creators.

It’s a tricky one. Ensuring your people are having perspectives and a livelihood. Versus the constant short termism in much of academia.

It makes us dependent and also undermines public trust further. Of course we indicate funding sources and whether funders impacted what we did / outcomes…

With current funding climates and pervasive desperation, I worry that academic research is more vulnerable than ever to genuinely predatory “philanthropists” - with agendas ranging from the paternalistically benevolent to the selfish to the downright evil.