ICES Marine Science Communicators meeting

Presenting to the ICES Marine Science Communicators
Photo credit: Line Reeh

This morning I was privileged to attend the networking meeting of the ICES Marine Science Communicators. Terhi Minkkinen extended an invitation to me after hearing of my visit to DTU Aqua. I provided a brief overview of how education and outreach can enhance research, including examples from the US Ocean Literacy campaign and COSEE-TEK.

The guest speaker today was Tracy Playle, who excited us all with a Prezi about challenges, content and audiences. She reminded us that we all work with fantastic scientists who thrive on the cutting edge of their respective discipline - they are innovators. In terms of utilizing social media, many of these innovators might be considered "laggards."  Perhaps this is why some feel tweeting should not be allowed during conference sessions as they believe when tweeting one is not "present." On the contrary, a good tweet can continue a discussion, generate interest in content, or simply bring people together in a social setting.

Tracy Playle
Image credit: Tracy Playle

The communicators provided a way to engage ICES 2015 conference attendees through a series of challenges via Twitter #CAPTUREICES2015. Challenges are issued, participants complete the challenges and earn points.For example, the first challenge was "First (easy) challenge! YOU EARN 100 points  (+additional 100 for each background selfie)." People were quite creative in terms of finding ways to include several people, including the use of mirrors!

The ICES communicators are interested in continuing discussions about audiences, messaging and cooperation as well as agenda items for the 2016 conference. Contact Terhi Minkkinen directly for more information.