Naslov
Marine Science Communication in Europe – A way forward.

Autori
Seys, J ; Cox, L ; Şahin Yücel, E ; Ezgeta-Balić, D ; Faimali, M ; Garaventa, F ; García-Martínez, M-C ; Gili, C ; Kopke, K ; Moreau, K ; Petrera, F ; Simon, D ; Villwock, A ; Zielinski, T ; Muñiz Piniella, A.

Kolaboracija
The European Marine Board Communications Panel (EMBCP)

Vrsta, podvrsta
Ostale vrste radova, ostalo

Godina
2022

Ključne riječi
marine science communication, ocean literacy
(znanstvena komunikacija)

Sažetak
Marine Science Communication (MSC) aims to increase understanding and to raise awareness of Ocean science. It also increases curiosity about scientific discoveries and issues related to our Ocean. MSC is a tool to improve understanding of the importance of Ocean science, to help create awareness and inspire responsible behaviour at all levels of society, and to advocate for policy that is committed to a sustainable Ocean and planet. The purpose of this Future Science Brief is to shed light on the state of the art, the impact, the visibility and the future of MSC actions in Europe. This document aims to highlight MSC as a critical field of activity, and to share recommendations for its future development. It also examines lessons learnt during the process of MSC, considers the role of different stakeholders in this process, and highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise when communicating about Ocean science. Finally, it delivers specific recommendations on how to recognize, support and improve MSC in Europe. The main target audience are professional communicators within Ocean/marine research institutions, Ocean conservation organizations, or scientists who communicate their own research. This document is also aimed at marine scientific organization managers, research funders, European and national policy-makers and NGOs, who support a healthy Ocean, the local economy, food provision, tourism, etc. Over the coming decade, MSC will become critical to achieve a more Ocean literate and sustainable society. To strengthen the capacity of MSC in Europe, we make the following recommendations: 1. Marine Science Communication should not hide facts, but should avoid only presenting the ‘negative bias’ in Ocean news. It should also show the opportunities, and when possible, the positive side of a story. 2. Marine science institutions and funders should change their culture in order to stimulate science communication and to acknowledge and value science communication. 3. Marine science communicators should look for connections with science communicators outwith marine science, and with communicators in non-scientific domains (e.g. marketing). Communication experts should increase interaction with all stakeholders (scientists, citizens, media, aquaria & science centres, students, policy-makers, industry, educators) in the MSC process. 4. A marine science communication platform or database should be developed by the communication community to share expertise and resources, especially to help those with reduced resources. 5. Additional funding and human resources are needed to cope with future MSC needs. The European Marine Board Communications Panel recommends that marine science institutions should dedicate at least 10% of their staff time to MSC. This can include both staff dedicated to MSC and/or time spent on MSC by scientists and other staff. 6. Marine science communicators should make better use of new technologies and approaches to reach the wider public in order to enhance successful traditional methods (story-telling, hands-on activities, arts, visuals, etc.), ‘to make the invisible visible’, to stimulate curiosity and hunger for knowledge, and to actively connect with a wider audience. 7. There is a clear need for professional communication and outreach training programs, workshops and events (e.g. the CommOCEAN conferences), both for marine scientists and for other MSC stakeholders. It is recommended that a structural means for supporting the continuation of these conferences is sought, possibly in partnership with the European Commission. 8. Marine science communicators should communicate as much as possible under the umbrella of the Ocean Decade and of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and waters by 2030, both unique opportunities to enhance MSC. An evaluation by the conveners of these efforts should be made in order to learn from the experience and to be prepared to underpin similar future actions. 9. A general communication baseline for marine science should be established by the communication community, which emphasizes the ‘Why’ of Ocean science and MSC. This should be based on the rationale shaping the international Ocean Literacy movement

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija, Interdisciplinarne prirodne znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA