Science is often seen as a dry pursuit. This noble field aims to answer humanity’s most profound questions: How did life begin? What is consciousness? Why does naming cows boost their milk production? Within this serious framework, there isn’t much room for humor. I suspect most scientists would agree there’s nothing funny about bottom quarks or the five-membered organoarsenic compound called arsole.
So, I wasn’t surprised by the results of a recent peer-reviewed paper in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, which analyzed humor in 531 scientific talks at 14 academic conferences. Stefano Mammola of the Italian National Research Council and his colleagues found that scientists averaged only 1.6 jokes per presentation, with 66% of those jokes eliciting only polite chuckles. It seems science and comedy don’t mix well.
These findings echo research I conducted over 20 years ago. Under the banner of the Comedy Research Project, Timandra Harkness and I ran a randomized clinical trial to test whether science can be funny.
In identical rooms with audiences, two researchers were given microphones. One, the “experimental” scientist, gave a talk with jokes, while the “control” scientist gave one without. To ensure academic rigor, the study was double-blind, meaning no one—not even the scientists—knew if they were telling jokes. We found that, in both cases, laughter levels were not statistically significant.
At the time, our unpublished, peerless-reviewed data was disappointing, especially since it came after what was arguably a golden age for blending science and comedy. In the 1980s and ’90s, new technology led to the discovery of many genes, and scientists had free rein to name them. For a while, some let their guard down.
There was “cheapdate,” a gene affecting alcohol tolerance in fruit flies, and “indy” (short for “I’m not dead yet”), which influences lifespan. My personal favorite was the “ken and barbie” gene, which prevents the development of external genitalia. The good times rolled until the fun police stepped in.
In the early 2000s, the Human Genome Organization Gene Nomenclature Committee advised scientists to stop using such playful names. Children didn’t want to hear that “sonic hedgehog” had mutated, and adults didn’t want to learn their “I’m not dead yet” gene was faulty. Scientific whimsy was snuffed out like a flame.
I think it’s a shame there isn’t more humor in science. Science touches everything—from our food and cities to our vehicles and medicines. Non-scientists should be able to engage with research without feeling confused or bored. Scientists have a duty not only to conduct studies but also to communicate them clearly to peers and the public. Comedy can help with that.
Research shows what happens when scientists successfully use wit. A 2025 study titled Wit Meets Wisdom found that humor can boost a researcher’s credibility and likability. They’re also seen as more trustworthy, and their findings are less likely to be disputed. In an era where political arrogance and greed threaten to undermine scientific consensus on critical issues like climate change and vaccination, every bit of evidence-based science communication matters. If a well-timed joke helps get the message across, all the better.
Comedy brings people together. It builds cohesion and fosters shared understanding. Amusing things are also more memorable. So, researchers can either try to force-feed information or choose to have a little fun.
I’m not saying al…Scientific research doesn’t need to become standup comedy. But sometimes, scientists could benefit from dropping the overly serious tone and embracing a more playful approach. Most people don’t want a lecture—they’d rather be entertained.
In my work as a science communicator and trainer, I try to do this whenever possible. For example, I once created a sausage-based scale to illustrate the size of a hedgehog-like tenrec, and I imagined a thought experiment about cloning Elvis using a lock of his hair purchased on eBay.
So, to the researchers at Mammola’s conferences who tried to tell jokes that didn’t quite land: don’t quit your day job, but please keep trying. And to the scientists who published a paper in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition titled “Unusual Substitution in an Arsole Ring”—I have to say, there’s absolutely nothing funny about that.
Helen Pilcher is a science writer and the author of This Book May Cause Side Effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic Its official scientists arent funny But it doesnt have to stay that way
General Beginner Questions
1 What does it mean that scientists arent funny
Its a common stereotype and a finding from some studies that on average people in highly analytical fields like science technology engineering and math may score slightly lower on certain measures of humor or use different types of humor compared to people in creative fields
2 Is this a proven fact
Its a generalization based on trends in psychological research not an absolute rule The studies often show correlations between personality traits common in scientists and specific humor styles not that every single scientist is unfunny
3 Why does this stereotype exist
Science values precision logic and objectivity while humor often relies on ambiguity surprise and playful rulebreaking The focused detailoriented mindset that makes a great scientist can sometimes be at odds with the freeflowing associative thinking used in comedy
4 Why does it matter if scientists are funny or not
Humor is a powerful tool for communication connection and resilience For scientists being able to use humor can make complex topics more accessible to the public improve teamwork in the lab reduce stress and help humanize the profession
Advanced Practical Questions
5 What are the specific humor styles scientists might use or avoid
Research suggests scientists may lean more toward affiliative humor and selfenhancing humor and less toward aggressive or selfdefeating humor They might avoid humor that seems imprecise or could undermine their credibility
6 Can you actually learn to be funnier
Absolutely Humor is a skill that can be developed It involves understanding basic structures practicing storytelling observing skilled communicators and learning to read an audience
7 What are some practical tips for a scientist who wants to improve their humor in communication
