Strategic communications for ocean science, sustainability, and innovation

Discover why marine research projects need brand guidelines and how style and visual identity guides support consistency, clarity, and trust.

Should scientists advocate for policy change? Explore the boundary between evidence, values, credibility, and policy engagement.

A well-written press release gives journalists what they need to decide whether to cover your research. Here's how to structure one, target the right outlets, and avoid the most common mistakes.

Who actually influences ocean policy? Explore the role of intermediaries, advisors, and trusted messengers in science-policy communication.

A journalist wants to interview you about your marine science. Here's how to prepare and what to expect during the interview.

Most journalists won't share their story with you before publication. Here's why, and what you can do to protect the accuracy of your work without seeing the draft.

Ocean science often claims policy relevance without being specific. How researchers can make findings genuinely useful for policymakers and managers?

Starting your research communication plan with a list of deliverables is understandable, but it's usually the wrong approach. Here's a better way to think about it.

A journalist has made contact about your ocean research. Here's what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after the interview.

Ocean data is more abundant than ever. But data alone doesn't communicate. Here's how to make complex ocean data accessible, accurate, and useful for non-specialist audiences.

A plain language summary can extend the reach of your research to the people who most need it. Here's what a plain language summary is and how you can write one well.

A communications work package is more than blog posts and newsletters. Here's what one actually involves, when your project needs one, and what to do if it doesn't.

Not sure if your ocean research will attract media interest? Here's how journalists and editors assess newsworthiness, and how to apply that thinking to your work.

Ocean research rarely influences policy on its own. Here's how to frame your findings, choose the right format, and reach decision-makers at the moment it matters.

Not every communications consultant understands ocean science, policy, or the culture of the ocean world. Here's what to look for – and what to ask – before you hire.

Most research communication plans start with a list of deliverables. Here's why that's the wrong starting point, and how to build a strategy that actually serves your research goals.

Policy briefs can help your science reach decision-makers - but only if they are targeted to the right audience.

Science communication and dissemination are not the same thing, but they're often treated as if they are. Here's why the distinction matters for ocean researchers

What chronological rather than algorithm-driven social media feeds means for ocean communication.

Can generative AI models like ChatGPT write research summaries that laypeople, aka people without specialised research knowledge, can understand?

Should ocean researchers and organisations stay on X, or is it time to move on? A practical look at the question everyone in ocean science communication is asking.

A team at the University of Edinburgh has developed 400 environmental science signs for British Sign Language — a win for inclusive science communication.

Pint of Science, Science Cafe, Science on Tap…do pub-based science communication events actually work? Research suggests attendees are learning quite a bit.

Can scientists express their genuine fears and emotions about the climate crisis, the decline and destruction of nature, and the impacts on people and still be seen as credible, objective experts?

A round-up of science communication highlights from IMCC7 (the International Marine Conservation Congress) held in South Africa in October 2024

When public trust in science is low and misinformation is rife, how can ocean communicators help people find common ground on environmental protection?

Ocean observations are vital for understanding our ocean and keeping people safe. But there are gaps in the European ocean observing community. Communication is one of them

The closure of Hakai Magazine raises important questions about the sustainability of science journalism and what it means for science communication.