A year without Tomás Unger | We need more science communicators and journalists

I must confess that the news hit me like a bucket of cold water. Exactly one year ago, Mr. Thomas Unger he left us. With Óscar Miró Quesada from the ‘Racso’ War He was one of the most important scientific disseminators in Peru. For more than 40 uninterrupted years Trade published his columns, which not only served as a perfect complement for science teachers from all over the country, who cut them out and shared them with their students, but were also inspiration for many Peruvians who decided to take the path of science and today stand out. in different specialties around the world.

While it is true that in recent years several young people dedicated to scientific dissemination have appeared, especially on digital platforms, Don Tomás’ departure is undoubtedly felt. Be careful, not because yours was the only qualified voice, but because

This is very important, especially in these times: although we have gone through a terrible pandemic and are now suffering the effects of global warming,

Always alert

You are probably wondering if It will really change something to have more science communicators and journalists. In my opinion, yes.

On the one hand, it is necessary to continue with the work of . The pandemic had to arrive for us to begin to become familiar not only with some terms (such as epidemiology either zoonosis), but even how science works (understanding the study phases in the manufacture of a vaccine is a clear example).

These days too (not only how it is transmitted, but what happens if someone is reinfected) or what the alterations in the climate are causing.

let’s remember the poor communication strategy by the Ministry of Health to handle the issue of extending the date of use of COVID-19 vaccines. These doubts were immediately exploited by those who continue to deny the importance of vaccines.

And it even seems that we are forgetting those who hurt us a lot during the pandemic. You just have to remember that last year provincial organizations (such as the Arequipa Dental College) granted recognition to

To confront these and other cases, it is important that the population has access to evidence-based information. The role of science communicators and journalists is key there.

Only with that will we prevent promoters of clustered water, biomagnetism, chlorine dioxide or conspiracy theories continue to keep the population in ignorance to prevent them from making better decisions.