Springer Nature brought outer space to London’s King’s Cross with a screening of the Matt Damon film The Martian at Everyman on the Canal, as part of an initiative to promote the importance of science communication. Employees at the Springer Nature London office chose the movie.
In a short introductory film played before the main feature, members of staff explained that they selected The Martian for its portrayal of science as a deeply human, problem-solving endeavour. The introductory film also included snippets of Springer Nature brands in popular culture – such as the journal Nature in the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything – and an interview with Editor in Chief of Nature Dr Magdalena Skipper on the importance of science communication.
She said: “Science has always made for great stories…but [it] can only change the world when people can understand it and connect with it. That’s where global publishers like Springer Nature come in, she added, who help scientists share their discoveries around the world.”
Springer Nature says the screening formed part of its broader sustainability and outreach efforts which see the company working with the communities local to its 45 offices. The stated aim is to challenge perceptions of scientists and research, support science communicators and encourage new generations to consider careers in STEM, and follows the success of last year’s award-winning photography exhibition in King’s Cross.
Group Head of Corporate Affairs and UK location lead at Springer Nature, Joyce Lorigan, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of Everyman on the Canal this year. Polling our London people for their favourite science film was great fun but we’ve also had the opportunity to share a really important message: that powerful science communication takes many forms.
“We’ve called King’s Cross home for 30 years, but we are always keen to introduce a new audience and generation to the work we do to share science around the world. We hope everyone who joined us for The Martian leaves feeling inspired by the story and impressed at the global reach of the science and research published right around the corner from where they’re sitting.”
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