NAS 9th Webinar Series – Science Through the Film Lens

To raise awareness on the significance and potential impact of partnerships/collaboration between the scientific and entertainment communities, the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) held the 9th webinar in its webinar series on Wednesday 13th September 2023, themed “Science through the Film Lens: Bridging the Divide”. This webinar was convened to explore how the science and TV/entertainment industries can collaborate for more effective science communication, and for public education through entertainment.

The webinar began with opening remarks by the NAS President, Professor Ekanem Braide FAS. In her remarks, she emphasized the role of the Academy in providing science advice to government and other stakeholders on issues bothering on science, technology, and innovation (STI). One of such issues is the communication gap between scientists and the public which has led to misconceptions, misinformation, and poor perception of science/scientists by the Nigerian public. While the Academy’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Oladoyin Odubanjo, moderated the meeting, panelists at the session included Rick Loverd, a Program Director of the Science & Entertainment Exchange Programme of the US National Academy of Sciences; Mr. Yinka Oduniyi, President of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria; Professor Gabriel Ogunmola FAS, a past president of NAS and Dr. Kiki Omeili, a medical doctor turned Nollywood actress.

A key message from the webinar was that collaboration between stakeholders in the science and film industries can help ensure that scientific information is accurately portrayed through and in films. Scientists can provide technical expertise, fact-checking, and guidance to filmmakers to ensure that the science depicted in movies is realistic.

The Academy’s Public Affairs Secretary, Professor Jonathan Babalola FAS, gave the vote of thanks at the end of the webinar.