Basic microbiology knowledge is crucial to the understanding of new emerging diseases
Aligned with our mission to advance the understanding and impact of microbiology, the Society reached out to our community of microbiologists to share their experiences in responding to SARS-CoV-2. We aim to showcase the perspective of scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic and the variety of roles adopted to mitigate the global crisis.
This is the second case study written by Dr Chloe James, a Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at The University of Salford, UK. In this case study, she focuses on the media engagement aspect of her response to the pandemic, including the challenges of commenting on highly politicised and emotive issues.
How did you respond to SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the pandemic so far, I have been asked to comment on variants, government policies and societal responses to the pandemic by several media outlets, wanting “expert comment”. Two requests translated into broadcast, including a programme piece about the new coronavirus, how it spreads and what the public can do, then another live interview about the omicron variant and mask policies.
On the whole, the experience was good. I have engaged with media before on a range of microbiology topics. The programme producers were lovely and made sure I was comfortable on camera/airwaves. I am glad that I could contribute in some way by providing a measured scientific view.
Was this response related to your work prior to the outbreak?
Although my research is not directly related to SARS-CoV-2 or respiratory viruses, my research does involve investigation of respiratory infection, and I teach virology and public health at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My involvement with the Microbiology Society also keeps me abreast of the latest issues in this area. I feel that the media demand for expert comment means that my input is valuable.
What were some of the challenges that you faced during this time?
Despite an overall good experience, in both cases, the angle of the live/on-camera conversations did drift away from what was originally discussed off camera in preparation. I don’t think this was a deliberate misguidance, rather the lack of scientific understanding meant that the presenters didn’t realise they were asking a completely different question. Since so many issues around the pandemic have been highly politicised and emotive, this could have put me in a difficult position. This did make me feel quite anxious and I spent time in advance checking that my knowledge was up to date, since new information comes out on SARS-CoV-2 every day. It is a lot of work to keep up!
How did your experience throughout the response aid in your development?
Media engagement like this aids my development as it helps me to gain confidence and communication skills and maintain a good relationship with the media industry, which I believe is very important. Also, as it enhances the profile of the university, it is a valued activity and may contribute to any future case for promotion – although I stress that this was not the motivation.
What can we learn about the importance of microbiology from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Basic microbiology knowledge is obviously crucial to the understanding of new emerging diseases and development of response strategies. With so much misinformation/conspiracy theorists/ulterior motives/mistrust in government, I believe that a measured, clear view from microbiologists that can explain the basic biology is incredibly valuable to the public who have all this new information at their fingertips and need someone trustworthy to guide them through it.
How did the Microbiology Society play a role in your response?
The Communications and Content team were fantastic support and responded rapidly to my request for a sense check on the key points that I wanted to convey in live interviews. They provided links to what those more expert in the field were saying with key sources of supporting data. The SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 hub is a fantastic resource for this.
I was contacted about a programme that didn’t end up going ahead – but while I was researching logistics and the viability of the producer’s proposition, the Microbiology Society linked me up with key experts who joined these discussions and really helped by advising about directions of the investigation.
About the author
Dr Chloe James is a Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at The University of Salford, UK. Find out more about her research on bacteria and bacteriophages and read her first case study, which covers the fast development of e-learning resources for radiographers caring for patients with COVID-19.