Tukkievaria caught up with Prof Wanda Markotter to chat about winning The Conversation Africa Academic Achievers’ Award and her contribution to science communication.        

Congratulations – how does it feel to have won this award? 

It is always an honour to be recognised by the University. COVID-19 again highlighted how vital science communication is. It is gratifying to see that if you put in the effort to communicate science, a broad audience is interested to read it. It highlights the value of doing it.

How have your peers reacted to your win?

I have been widely congratulated, and my postdoctoral fellows have now started writing for The Conversation because they can see the value in it.

The importance of virology research has never been more apparent. Who/what motivated you to share your knowledge with the media?

I am frustrated by the amount of misinformation that is out there. In my view, we as scientists have a responsibility to put correct information out there in different media forums as much as possible. We cannot just complain about people reading false information – we need to spread accurate information in a way that people can understand it.

How would you describe your experience in dealing with the media?

I have a very positive relationship with the media. There is mutual respect for both our roles, and I am always willing to engage on short notice.

How has media exposure contributed to your career?

It gave my research group and me the opportunity to communicate our work and findings to a broader audience and be noticed.

What tips would you give someone who is about to face the media for the first time?

You need to prepare and have a clear idea of what your message is. Don’t deviate from that.

Could you share some of your media highlights?

My contributions to The Conversation include the following:

• ‘Why it’s important to study coronaviruses in African bats’ (21 February 2020)
• ‘Scientists are still searching for the source of COVID-19: why it matters’ (13 March 2020)
• ‘The first human case of Marburg virus in West Africa is no surprise: here’s why’ (30 August)

Contributions to CNN

Our research was included in the programme Vital Signs on CNN. See links below:

• www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/08/11/cnn-creative-marketing---vital-signs-virus-hunters.cnn-creative-marketing
• www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/08/18/vital-signs-virus-hunters-spc-a.cnn
• www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/08/18/vital-signs-virus-hunters-spc-b.cnn
• www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/08/18/vital-signs-virus-hunters-spc-c.cnn

Global Health Summit: https://youtu.be/IJmKIIMUtdU