Vishvas Pandey: A physicist bridges the gap between scientists and the public

At Fermilab near Chicago, Vishvas Pandey, an associate scientist, spends his days immersed in exciting, cutting-edge research on neutrino physics. But after investing nearly a year in training through the pilot APS Science Trust Project Ambassadors Program, he’s eager to help people better understand his work.

“I want to bridge the gap and deepen the trust between scientists and the general public,” he says. “I also plan to reach out to schools and other organizations in the Chicago area.”

Pandey is among a cohort of five physicists who participated in APS’ pilot Science Trust Project Ambassadors program, which follows the "train-the-trainer" model involving scientists training their peers on best practices for discussing science topics with the public, helping to build trust with community groups.

Beginning in January, the cohort met virtually for mandatory weekly educational sessions covering topics that included using reflective listening, facilitating difficult conversations, and leading with empathy. Participants had flexibility to miss one session. The ambassadors applied those lessons during workshops with their peers as leaders of Science Trust Project workshops and within their science circles.

Pandey says using an empathetic approach, one that involves reflective listening, is more helpful in situations when scientists are engaging with the public.

“We need to meet people where they are,” he says, adding that the program stresses the importance of “connection before correction.” He notes that correction should be grounded in humility, curiosity, empathy, and facts.

Pandey illustrated that point during a recent workshop at the Division of Nuclear Physics Meeting in Chicago. He noted that some people in the general public believe the fantastical notion that the Large Hadron Collider – located near Geneva, Switzerland, and the world’s largest energy particle accelerator exploring the universe – could create a black hole that swallows the Earth. But just because that’s not true, doesn’t mean that scientists should dismiss those feelings.

Instead, he says an appropriate response could be: “That sounds really scary. I can see why a story like that might stick with you. Would it be helpful if I shared what scientists actually found in our studies?”

Pandey, who is serving on the program and executive committees for the APS Division of Particles and Fields 2026 meeting, says he looks forward to sharing more of the lessons he learned through the workshops.

“This is my professional and personal responsibility,” he says.

Alexandra Lau, senior program manager in the Public Engagement department at APS, says Pandey has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his involvement in the ambassador program. Before the Division of Nuclear Physics meeting, Pandey co-facilitated a workshop at the Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics meeting. His vision for the APS Division of Particles and Fields 2026 meeting includes organizing a plenary panel and workshop on Science Trust Project skills.

And Pandey isn’t slowing down.

“He brings an impressive blend of foresight and follow-through,” Lau says. “He doesn’t just have great ideas. He takes action and makes them real. His plans for the 2026 Division of Particles and Fields meeting reflect the kind of thoughtful leadership that strengthens our entire community.”