Science in Focus: Leveraging Film to Humanize Science (2026-2027)

Background

Scientific research in the United States is facing rising uncertainty. Recent federal budget cuts have significantly reduced funding for the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, leaving researchers concerned about the future of their work. At the same time, public trust in science has declined. Although confidence has rebounded slightly since the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Surveys reveal a substantial disconnect between scientists and the public. Many Americans perceive scientists as poor communicators or as disconnected from everyday life. Most Americans say they want scientists to invest more effort in public communication. New initiatives — from Lost Science in the New York Times to large-scale letter-writing campaigns — show growing interest in presenting science as a human endeavor informed by curiosity, effort and lived experience.

Film and visual storytelling offer powerful ways to bridge this gap. By highlighting the people behind scientific research, films can reframe science as relatable and human, strengthen public trust and expand how communities engage with scientific discovery.

Project Description

This project team will produce a series of short documentary films that spotlight the everyday lives, motivations and challenges of Duke scientists. Rather than focusing on major breakthroughs, the films will reveal the human stories behind scientific inquiry. The goal is to foster deeper connections between scientists and the public and to counter stereotypes that science is elitist or impersonal.

Team members will learn the mechanics of high-quality science communication alongside hands-on film making training. Through readings, film screenings, workshops and guest lectures, the team will learn foundational skills in narrative design, interviewing, scripting, cinematography, editing and public engagement.

The team will form subgroups, each guided by a graduate student leader, to conceptualize and produce one film in the series. Each subgroup will:

Identify a scientist to feature
Conduct interviews and contextual research
Craft a compelling script or narrative arc
Film in labs, field sites or personal spaces
Edit footage in Adobe and refine final cuts

Team members will engage in script development and subject selection. They will also develop marketing and distribution plans, build community partnerships and host public screenings across the Triangle. Films may be submitted to regional film festivals and shown in venues such as museums, cinemas, breweries and university events.

Anticipated Outputs

A series of 4-6 short documentary films
Film marketing assets, including posters, branding materials and social media content
A project website hosting the films and behind-the-scenes content
Film festival submissions
Public screenings and community engagement events

Student Opportunities

Ideally, this project team will include 3-4 graduate students and 12-15 undergraduate students.

Students from cinematic arts, documentary studies, visual arts, natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, marketing and communication are encouraged to apply. All participants should have strong interest in science communication or creative storytelling.

Through this project, students will gain experience in:

Documentary filmmaking techniques, including shooting and editing
Interviewing and narrative construction
Science communication strategies
Collaboration within creative teams
Marketing, outreach and community partnership building
Event planning and public engagement
Project and workflow management

Graduate students will mentor subgroups, help facilitate workshops, support project management and mediate creative decision-making. Undergraduate students will contribute across all stages of film development, from concept to outreach.

Timing

Summer 2026 – Summer 2027

Summer 2026 (optional):

Begin learning documentary practices and science communication fundamentals
Start identifying film subjects and drafting scripts

Fall 2026:

Attend weekly class sessions
Confirm film subjects and complete scripting
Begin filming and continue footage collection
Start building community partnerships
Submit early films to festivals

Spring 2027:

Complete all film editing and final cuts
Develop and implement marketing campaign
Host community screenings with partner organizations
Attend film festivals

Summer 2027 (optional): Participate in film festival screenings

Crediting

Academic credit available for fall and spring semesters