Stephen Mease
By Stephen Beech
Taylor Swift and her fans boosted engagement in science and education, reveals a new study.
Geophysicist Eleanor Dunn measured the seismic activity generated by the American superstar's concerts in Dublin, Ireland, last year.
She hit the headlines around the world in summer 2024 with her #SwiftQuakeDublin project studying the seismic activity generated by the singer and her fans - known as "Swifties" - at the Aviva Stadium concerts.
Now the PhD student and one of her supervisors, Professor Joseph Roche, have published an academic paper about the power of pop culture events to boost scientific understanding and engagement.
The paper, called “Are you ready for it? Harnessing celebrity influence for science communication and seismology – The Taylor Swift effect,” has been published in the International Journal of Science Education.
Gabriel Ramos
It describes the powerful potential for celebrity influence in science communication and public understanding of science.
When Swift played three record-breaking nights at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in June 2024, Dunn and her colleagues installed 42 temporary seismometers across 21 locations surrounding the venue.
The network allowed them to meticulously record and compare the seismic impact of the concerts with the readings from the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN).
Measuring the "SwiftQuake" garnered public and media attention through strategic social and traditional media campaigns, captivating fans and the wider public alike.
Following the concerts, the research team analyzed the collected seismic data, sharing their findings with audiences and inviting fans to contribute their concert videos to aid in the seismic analysis.
Seismic signals measured at the stadium for Swift's songs, including Shake It Off, were matched with patterns detected by the national network in the Dublin mountains and in Wexford, showing the SwiftQuake being detected more than 60miles away.
By examining the extensive social and traditional media output, the study highlights how cultural events with massive public appeal can be leveraged to engage members of the public and enhance their understanding of complex scientific concepts.
Lead author Dunn, of Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, said: "This project was an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between celebrity pop culture and scientific inquiry.
"Witnessing the public's enthusiasm, especially from Swifties, for understanding how their collective energy translated into measurable seismic waves was truly inspiring.
"It showed us that science is all around us, even in our favorite music events."
Florian Cordier
She says the research confirms the potential of pop culture events to act as powerful catalysts for scientific understanding and engagement.
Dunn added: “This study demonstrates that integrating popular cultural events into scientific research can create accessible and exciting avenues for public engagement, transforming audiences into active participants in scientific discovery.”
Co-author Roche, from the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, praised her "innovative" approach.
He said: “Eleanor's research showcases the power of interdisciplinary thinking, combining seismology, science communication, and celebrity studies.
"It’s a brilliant example of what happens when a researcher combines their unique research skills with their personal passions."
Roche added: "Eleanor is a dedicated Swiftie and, once this study is published, Taylor is going to be just as big a fan of Eleanor's research."