Why Does Plant Science Need More Storytellers?

The world has grown impatient, especially with science. People want information about things they care about, from people whom they can trust. Trust is built through stories that connect scientific research to everyday life. These stories must feel relevant, told by people who show what they care about and why, in language people generally understand. 

Science journalist and author Helen Pearson notes that compared with the complex, changing, and uncertain nature of research, simple stories resonate more deeply with people. They often carry more meaning than the numbers and complex datasets scientists present. This observation exposes an important problem driving the declining appreciation for and trust in scientific research — that the challenge lies not only in scientific methods and results but also in how these approaches are communicated. If the cost of groceries rises because of drought, crop disease, or mechanical failures in plants, people are more likely to engage with explanations that show why this is happening, what scientists are doing about it, and how these discoveries affect their communities and daily lives. Plant science already has these stories. 

Many foundational principles of modern science were discovered through studying plants. In fact, the first description of cells came from plant tissue. In 1665, Robert Hooke published Micrographia, a book describing the physiology of what he called “minute bodies.” While examining slices of oak cork under a magnifying glass, he observed small compartment-like structures. These observations laid the foundation for cell biology and microscopy, tools that would later shape discoveries across medicine, microbiology, and crop improvement. 

Plant science also helped uncover the laws of genetic inheritance. In the late 1800s, Austrian botanist Gregor Mendel conducted experiments on garden peas while tending a monastery garden. From these experiments, Mendel concluded that offspring inherited discrete “particles,” now known as genes, which determined traits such as height, seed shape, colour, and pod size. His work became the foundation of modern genetics. A farmer interested in improving crop yield or seed quality may never think directly about Mendel’s pea plants and laws, yet those discoveries continue to shape agriculture, food production, and the field of medicine today. 

More than a century after Mendel’s discoveries, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to plant scientist Barbara McClintock for discovering mobile elements in maize, which she called “control elements.” McClintock discovered that these control elements could change positions in the genome, thereby disrupting genes and producing varying phenotypes, including distinct kernel colours. These mobile elements, now known as transposons, have also been discovered in microorganisms, animals, and humans, where they have been linked to diseases. 

Many discoveries that shape everyday life can be traced back to plant science research, yet these contributions often remain overlooked. This is not only a visibility problem, but also a communication problem. Scientific discoveries alone are rarely enough to build public trust or appreciation. People also need stories that help them understand how science connects to their food, health, environment, and communities. This is why scientific research, including that in plant science, should include the art of storytelling and science communication. 

Research is no longer communicated only within journals, conferences, and academic institutions. Several science communication initiatives now serve as platforms for scientists to share their research with the public, including events such as Pint of Science, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, and Soapbox Science. These spaces challenge scientists to move beyond technical jargon and communicate research through stories people can connect with. For many scientists, storytelling changes not only how they communicate their work, but also how they understand it. Explaining complex ideas in simple language requires clarity of thought and a deeper understanding of why the research matters in the first place. It forces scientists to think beyond methods, results, and datasets, and instead focus on meaning, relevance, and human impact. 

Science communication also bridges the widening gap between scientific research and public understanding. A study on plant disease may appear distant within a scientific journal, but it becomes immediately relevant when connected to rising food prices, crop failures, or food insecurity within communities. Stories help people understand not only what scientists are discovering, but also why those discoveries matter. This is especially important for plant science because the field sits at the centre of some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food security, climate change, sustainable agriculture, and human health. Yet despite its importance, plant science often receives far less public attention than other scientific disciplines. Part of this disconnect is not due to a lack of impact, but limited scientific communication that should make plant science research relatable to broader audiences. 

With growing populations, climate change, land use and food shortages on the rise, plant science has never been more important, yet many of its stories are still untold. From foundational discoveries in cell biology and genetics to modern solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture, plant science and scientists continue to shape general scientific progress and everyday human life. But discoveries alone are not enough. People also need stories that help them understand how this science connects to their lives. As plant scientists continue addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges, the ability to communicate compelling, accurate, and meaningful stories may become just as important as the discoveries themselves. 

 

References 

Helen Pearson (2026). If it feels like the world is rejecting science and truth, here are five ways to fight back. The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/28/world-rejecting-science-truth-five-ways-fight-back.

 

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About the Authors

Abdulkabir Omeiza Abdulmalik

Abdulkabir is a PhD student at Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany and a 2025 Plantae Editor. He is a member of the CEPLAS Graduate School and his project focuses on applying an experimental evolution approach to engineer plant growth-promoting microbiomes. He enjoys writing and shares a passion for science communication. X: @Omeiza_PlantDoc

Irene I. Ikiriko

Irene is a PhD candidate at the University of Delaware, and a 2025 Plantae Fellows.  Her ultimate goal is to link plant mechanics to cellular mechano-perception. Her research is punctuated by work at her foundation (Dauntless Widows Foundation), her love for writing, trying new recipes, and learning about history! You can find her on X: @ireneikiriko.

Nathaniel Oragbon

Nathaniel is currently a graduate student of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany and a member of CEPLAS Graduate School, Germany and a 2025 Plantae Fellows.. His previous research focused on plant-nematode interactions and insect-nematode interactions. Nathaniel is passionate about science communication and hopes to further develop this skill. In his free time, he enjoys both watching and playing soccer. X: @NathanIgwe