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Social media for engagement

Sam LangfordAbout the Author

Sam Langford is an award-winning science communicator, presenter, comedian, trainer and performing monkey, based in Glasgow. With a background in science communication stretching back ten years, his work has seen him present at festivals, science centres, up mountains and even in the rainforest.

Usually found glued to his phone, Sam is a keen user of social media and uses this vast wealth of “experience” as an excuse to talk to others about how to get started on the internet. He is the co-founder of Science is a Drag!, a celebration of the queer side of STEM, and the Global Science Show, a monthly virtual science festival which encourages science communicators of all ages and backgrounds to share a video about their work on social media.

His proudest moment is his effort to send a Tunnock’s Teacake to the edge of space, in an effort that he is sure was the inspiration for Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos’s recent space race. Seen by more than 25 million people as part of Glasgow Science, this video was Sam’s first foray into the world of science film making.

Twitter: @scottishscicomm

Website: www.scicommwithsam.com

In this section

In this video Sam talks about the benefits of using social media for engagement with research, what makes good content and how you can get started. He'll also discuss the top four social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook) and what each of their strengths are. If you've ever thought "I'm too old to learn what TikTok is" then this video is for you!

Further Resources

Buffer: Why is social media engagement important?

NCCPE: What works engaging the public with social media

TikTok Creators included in film

  • @astrokirsten
  • @sciencemaven
  • @hankgreen
  • @particleclara
  • @jackgwood
  • @abrahampiper
  • @scottishscicomm
  • @TheMERL
  • @blackcountrylivingmuseum

Other ways to access

Download a transcript of this video