# เข็มทิศของการสื่อสาร | ดร. แก่นพงศ์ บุญถาวร | TEDxMahidolU | แก่นพงศ์ บุญถาวร | TEDxMahidolU Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF8eklPL5zg Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/VF8eklPL5zg Generated: 2026-02-09T20:01:33.919+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Dr. Kanpong Boonthaworn, a shrimp virus researcher, transitioned from preferring quantitative data to embracing qualitative, narrative-driven communication, exemplified by using illustrated comics and animation to explain complex scientific topics like Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) to children and the public, demonstrating that effective communication often requires stepping outside purely numerical analysis. **Key Points:** - The speaker, Dr. Kanpong Boonthaworn, is a Shrimp Virus Researcher who previously favored quantitative data over qualitative storytelling. - He found that his initial research-focused communication style, relying on data like the fitted line plot (03:43), did not resonate well with the public, especially when explaining bioethics or scientific topics. - He initiated a project called "Young Cartoonist Against AMR" (08:15) for 2023-2024, collecting nearly 400 illustrations (08:28) to communicate about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). - The speaker realized that storytelling, particularly through comics (09:34), helped convey complex issues like AMR and the dangers of antibiotic overuse in livestock (10:08, 10:33) more effectively than pure data. - He contrasts two worldviews: Anthropocentrism (11:57), where nature exists for human benefit, versus a view where non-human entities (like farm animals) are valued intrinsically. - The concept of the 'Post-Antibiotic Era' (07:35) illustrates the severe consequences if bacteria become resistant to all available antibiotics, making common infections life-threatening. - The key takeaway is that effective science communication requires empathy and narrative engagement, moving beyond just presenting facts or numbers to connect with diverse audiences. ![Screenshot at 01:25: Dr. Kanpong Boonthaworn begins his talk by contrasting his initial focus on quantitative science \(like the fitted line plot shown earlier\) with the need to engage people through communication methods that resonate emotionally and narratively.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/VF8eklPL5zg/00-01-25.jpg) **Context:** The presentation is a TEDx talk delivered by Dr. Kanpong Boonthaworn, identified as a Shrimp Virus Researcher (01:25), at TEDx MahidolU. The talk centers on the challenge of communicating scientific concepts, specifically bioethics and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), to broader audiences, contrasting his initial reliance on quantitative methods with his later adoption of narrative and visual storytelling, such as comics, to foster understanding and engagement. ## Detailed Analysis Dr. Kanpong Boonthaworn begins by admitting his strong preference for quantitative data and numbers, a habit formed from his background in science, which he found did not effectively connect with people, especially when discussing bioethics (01:01-01:05). He recounts his research on shrimp viruses and later moving to the Department of Bioethics and Engagement (02:51), where he struggled to make his work engaging. He explains that relying on data alone, like the example of the outlier in the regression plot (03:44), failed to resonate. He decided to pivot towards qualitative communication, leading to projects like creating comics about AMR (08:15). He illustrates the danger of AMR by showing an image of a 'Post-antibiotic era' (07:35) and explaining how bacteria evolve resistance (06:08). He emphasizes that the core issue is often rooted in Anthropocentrism (11:57), the view that everything exists for human benefit, which leads to the overuse and eventual failure of antibiotics. He shares examples of successful educational comics created by young artists (08:24) that simplify these concepts. Ultimately, he argues that for science communication to be successful, it must incorporate ethical considerations (Respect, Justice, Beneficence - 05:11) and use engaging narratives, even if they are not purely quantitative, to drive meaningful change. ### Background and Career Shift - Speaker started in science research, favoring quantitative data, but transitioned to Bioethics, realizing the need for better communication methods (00:54-02:50) - He applied his skills to create content like comics about AMR (08:15-08:23). ### The Problem of AMR - Antibiotic resistance is growing yearly (07:50), leading to a potential 'Post-antibiotic era' (07:35) where common infections become untreatable due to bacterial evolution (06:08-06:16) - This is driven by Anthropocentrism (11:57) and the misuse/overuse of antibiotics (10:09). ### The Solution Through Narrative - Storytelling, particularly through children's comics (09:34), proved more effective than data alone in communicating these complex and dangerous concepts (08:34) - Successful engagement involved illustrating the impact on food systems (10:26). ### Ethical Framework - Effective communication must be grounded in ethical principles: Respect, Justice, and Beneficence (05:11) - The speaker concludes that this holistic approach, involving empathy, is essential for future public engagement in science (13:07). ![Screenshot at 00:04: The opening graphic for the TEDx MahidolU event, themed "Embrace the UNKNOWN," sets a tone of exploration and discovery.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/VF8eklPL5zg/00-00-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:25: The speaker, Dr. Kanpong Boonthaworn, begins his talk on stage at TEDx MahidolU, setting the context of his shift from pure research to communication.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/VF8eklPL5zg/00-01-25.jpg) ![Screenshot at 03:43: A slide displays a 'Fitted Line Plot' illustrating quantitative data analysis, contrasting with the speaker's later focus on narrative communication.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/VF8eklPL5zg/00-03-43.jpg) ![Screenshot at 07:35: A slide showing a dystopian vision titled "Post antibiotic era: World without antibiotics," visually emphasizing the severe threat of AMR.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/VF8eklPL5zg/00-07-35.jpg) ![Screenshot at 11:57: A slide displaying the ethical principles: Respect, Justice, Beneficence, framing the discussion around ethical considerations in science communication.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/VF8eklPL5zg/00-11-57.jpg)