5 Questions for … Dr. David Spencer

Dr. David Spencer is a passionate plant biologist and a dedicated science communicator. Through his YouTube channel, “Krautnah,” he reaches thousands of viewers, teaching the science behind the fascinating world of plants. In 2022, his commitment to public outreach was honored with the SciCom Award from the German Botanical Society for excellence in science communication. He is also an accomplished author and science slammer.

1. What is your current professional role, and what does your daily work involve?

After earning my doctorate from RWTH in 2022, I started my own business as an author and science communicator. It was certainly a leap of faith at first, but I’m so glad I took it; I now have a steady stream of projects focused on communicating (biological) research. I create science content for my clients through podcasts, videos, articles, and keynote presentations. My daily routine is a great mix of research, reporting, and creative production—all while staying deeply rooted in the plant sciences.

2. How did your time at RWTH Aachen University inspire your current career path?

As a biology student, I noticed that the public still has many unanswered questions about plant breeding—and that today’s rapid advances often leave people feeling left behind. Myths and misinformation about controversial topics like genetic engineering, plant protection, and sustainability continue to circulate both online and offline. I wanted to address these gaps by delivering the facts, making my field more approachable, and engaging directly with the public. While I was still a student, I competed in—and won—the Science Slam at RWTH Science Night. That was the true start of my career in science communication!

3. What is your fondest memory of your time at RWTH?

I loved the botanical identification exercises—first as a student, and later as a lab supervisor. I also have great memories of the student council parties and the fantastic food at Mensa Vita. Most of all, I cherish the friendships and professional collaborations that have lasted to this day.

4. What are your future goals—professionally or personally?

I am deeply committed to getting more people excited about (plant) biology. You don’t need to be a university biology student to appreciate the importance of renewable resources for a sustainable economy, and the science behind these topics should be clear and accessible to everyone. I plan to continue this mission, with the hope that my audience will keep growing—whether through my next book, podcast, or YouTube video.

5. Your YouTube channel “Krautnah” regularly engages thousands of people. Why is making science accessible so important to you?

Because science is typically publicly funded, I believe researchers have a responsibility to give back to society. To me, that means taking an active role in addressing misinformation and tackling the communication challenges of the “fake news” era.

Science is a deeply rewarding, honest, and fascinating pursuit—and a steady anchor for those seeking the truth. Surveys like the “Wissenschaftsbarometer” show that trust in the research community remains high. We must value that trust if we want to uphold “facts over gut feelings” and “evidence over populism.” To achieve this, the scientific community must step outside its comfort zone. It doesn’t always have to be serious or complex—often, it’s the short, funny, and accessible posts that help keep science at the center of public debate and encourage genuine, inclusive participation.