Scientists' Dislike of the "Personal Equation"

Some scientists question the "popularization" not of research, but of the people who do the research. It is not necessarily undignified to describe a researcher's hobbies, family, or extracurricular interests, or viewpoints on human affairs. Reported accurately and in good taste, such matters add dimension and perspective to a scientist's work.

The layperson supports most research through taxes and is the ultimate audience for information about it. Humanizing science helps involve laypeople in science and technology. Also, such human-interest stories make science and technology more accessible to young people who might be interested in scientific careers. Many societies today, as part of their newsroom routine, provide brief biographies and often photographs of their officers and important speakers.