Public engagement with research is challenging

Public engagement with research activities, although desirable, can be challenging to implement. One of the first obstacles of researchers to pursue this path is the lack of incentives (see: changing scientific incentives can help overcome stagnation). Mostly, early career researchers do not engage the public in their research because of the time-pressure[@burns2021From intent to implementation: Factors affecting public involvement in life science research].

Another problem is the potential backslash from spread of misinformation, which puts a limit to how much researchers are willing to share ongoing projects. Words can be taken out of context, and increasing politization may put individuals at uncomfortable positions.