Kearney [Hank Lab co-director] says the benefits of publicity are both long-term and short-term. In the short term, publicity can help a researcher secure grant funding.

“Granting agencies are well aware of the importance of public good will for scholarship and scientific activities,” says Kearney. “To be able to say, ‘I’ve done this work and it’s received national attention,’ actually gives you a leg up in applying for the next grant.”