SEATTLE—I have been writing about research in the Middle East for Al-Fanar Media since 2013, and it’s a joy to learn about what scientists and academics in the region are doing—especially because it’s something other journalists seldom cover. But when I first started reporting from the Arab world, each new story felt like a daunting task because almost no one wanted to talk to me. Or at least that’s what it felt like.
The difficulties that I and other journalists face in reporting on Arab scientists has implications for what those who live in Arab countries will learn about their local scientists and their research. It also shows a need to increase the time that scientists in Arab countries spend on communication with the general public.
Until recently, I had largely forgotten about that. It has become a habit for me to send multiple emails to ten or so scientists, with follow-ups by phone and email, to secure a single interview.
Then last month I flew to Seattle, Washington, for the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. There, I was reminded of how easy science reporters have it in the United States and other Western countries compared to those of us who work in the Middle East.