A study that was published this year (2025) in the Journal of Science Communication has deeply shaken up the science community, as it disproved the settled belief that using humor in science communication is unprofessional and unreliable. The research found that scientists don’t always have to be serious to be taken seriously. In fact, appropriate use of comedy can make them more relatable and likable without undermining their authority.
“Politicians, entertainers, and advertisers often use humor because people tend to like and connect with people who can make them laugh,” said lead study author Alexandra Lynn Frank.
“When people find something funny, they’re usually less likely to argue with or reject the message or the person delivering it. Our research supports this idea. We found that humor can aid scientists’ communication efforts, but only if people think they’re funny.”
As the lead study author mentioned, not all humor works equally well in science communication. If a joke doesn’t resonate with the audience, it could have an opposite effect.
For an audience to enjoy a joke, it has to fit the context and be skillfully delivered. “Sarcasm or aggressively targeting someone, for example, is highly discouraged,” explained Frank.
That said, this doesn’t mean that every scientist has to become a comedian or that all science communication should include humor. Different topics and communicators call for different approaches, so each scientist should feel out what works best for them.
But those who are comfortable with humor now can use it without any worries, as the research suggests that it enhances science communication rather than detracts from its effectiveness.
“By leveraging humor, scientists can simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand,” said Frank. “This approach not only fosters goodwill but also has the potential to dispel misinformation in a friendly manner. Moreover, humor can spark curiosity, motivating people to seek out additional information on important scientific topics.”
To find out more about what scientists themselves think about combining humor and science, we previously reached out to science comedian Brian Malow and medical scientist and founder of the ‘Trust Me, I'm A "Biologist”’ Facebook page, Mitya. Both of them believe that science and humor can definitely coexist.
“Of course, science can be combined with humor! In fact, they are a perfect marriage. Science and humor are more similar than most people realize. They are both about finding patterns and connections leading to discovery and surprise," Malow said.
"Let’s be honest: biology (and research in general) can be stressful. If you can’t laugh about the time you accidentally used the wrong buffer, turning your cells into goo—how else are you going to cope?” Mitya asked.
“Sharing these misadventures not only provides comic relief but also builds camaraderie among fellow scientists. Sure, you can overdo it, but as long as it’s done in good spirit, humor is a fantastic way to remind everyone that behind every serious scientist is a real person who occasionally forgets which tube they labeled five minutes ago. Science should be fun!" he said.
Just like in the previously mentioned study, Malow adds that scientists shouldn’t strive to become comedians—all they need to do is relax a bit and let their personalities shine through.
“I give science communication seminars and workshops aimed at helping scientists communicate with the public. And, first of all, I’m not encouraging scientists to become comedians or clowns. You don’t need to be telling JOKES, per se. And there are some easy ways for a scientist to add a little humor to a presentation: You can share a funny quotation or cartoon, for instance. As long as it’s on topic and can lead into your subject,” he explained.
