Scientists & communicators: fruitful cooperations Personal reflexions Strategy & vision Research, theory & evaluation Dacha Atienza Head of Scientific Area Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona Ecsite 2016, Graz

Background Marine Biologist (Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC) 5 years postdoctoral researcher Jellyfish proliferations in the Catalan coast Research Citizen Science Knowledge Stakeholders Administration Solutions Implementation

Background Marine Biologist (Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC) 5 years postdoctoral researcher Jellyfish proliferations in the Catalan coast Stakeholders Administration Research Citizen Science Knowledge Solutions Implementation

Natural History Museums Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona SINGULARITIES ROLE Collections & Research Curators and conservators Researchers Technicians ScientificsCommunicators

ROLE OF NHMs Natural history collections play a vital role in our understanding of biodiversity, evolution, population genetics and the environmental impacts (climate change). NHM need to be able to care for their collections and make the associated information as accessible as possible to researchers. ICOM CODE OF ETHICS FOR NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS (2013) Build and store natural history collections Conduct research and interpret the results Support the process of science and biological conservation Enhance public understanding and appreciation of the natural world Collaborate with the public in deriving their own meaning from the natural heritage they encounter in the museum and in nature Natural History Museums

Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona SINGULARITIES ROLE ScientificsCommunicators Collections & Research Curators and conservators Researchers Technicians

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Science communication is part of a scientist’s everyday life TALKS WRITE PAPERS AND PROPOSALS EDUCATE OTHERS Relationship SCIENCE - PUBLIC DISTANCE GAP BARRIER FENCE OIL AND WATER

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Effective communication means transmitting your message clearly and concisely so that it is understood. It’s about engaging your audience – it’s about the ‘So what?’ and ‘Why does it matter?’ of your message. COMMUNICATORS

Scientists deal with probabilities, theoretical concepts, and nuanced language. The media world is also difficult to navigate. Media is fast-paced and journalists often have a small amount of space to cover complex scientific topics. For this reason a clear cooperation should be establish between both worlds to create a common space where both can reach the different audiences. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

We know that when science is communicated effectively to all audiences, it builds support for science, promotes understanding of its wider relevance to society, and encourages more informed decision-making at all levels. Communicators offer scientists ways to learn and practice the basics of effective communication. By teaching scientists how to explain their work it is possible to increase the impact of science in multiple dimensions. Present

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Barcelona BioBlitz A BioBlitz is a collaborative race against the clock to discover as many species of plants, animals and fungi as possible, within a set location, over a defined time period - usually 24 hours. A BioBlitz usually combines the collection of biological records with public engagement as experienced naturalists and scientists explore an area with members of the public, volunteers and school groups. 1ª Bioblitz: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington a similar event was run at Walden Pond, Massachusetts by Harvard entomologist E.O. Wilson and Peter Alden termed "Biodiversity Day"

Barcelona BioBlitz: Organization

Montjuic Base Camp Station

Barcelona BioBlitz: Communication

Website Twitter #bioblitzbcn

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