Whether you're exploring whether Ocean Oculus is the right fit, or trying to work out what kind of support you actually need, these are the questions we hear most often.

About Ocean Oculus

What is Ocean Oculus?

Ocean Oculus is an ocean-focused communications consultancy founded by Dr Samantha Andrews. We work with researchers, NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, and ocean sector businesses to communicate complex marine science, policy, and innovation clearly, accurately, and with impact.

How is Ocean Oculus different from a general communications agency?

Most communications agencies work across multiple sectors and learn about your field as they go. Ocean Oculus works exclusively in the ocean space.

That means we already understand the science, policy landscape, institutions, and culture of the sector. The result is less time spent explaining context and more confidence in what is produced.

Who founded Ocean Oculus, and what is their background?

Ocean Oculus is led by Dr Samantha Andrews, who holds a PhD in marine science and has over a decade of experience across research, government, science journalism, and consultancy.

Her work spans communication strategy, public engagement, science writing, and researcher training across the ocean science and policy landscape.

Where is Ocean Oculus based, and who do you work with geographically?

Ocean Oculus is based in France and works with clients across Europe, the UK, Canada, the USA, and elsewhere. Most work is delivered remotely, so geography is rarely a barrier.

What is research and science communication?

Research and science communication is the process of making research — including scientific and technical work — understandable, relevant, and usable for specific audiences, whether that’s policymakers, industry, or the public.

Science communication typically refers to communicating scientific research specifically. Research communication is a broader term that can include social science, policy research, and interdisciplinary work.

In practice, the two often overlap. The focus is less on the label and more on ensuring that complex work is translated clearly, accurately, and in ways that can inform decisions, policy, and practice.

What is the difference between communication, dissemination, and exploitation?

These terms are often used in research projects, particularly in EU funding contexts:

• Communication focuses on raising awareness and making research accessible

• Dissemination focuses on sharing results with relevant audiences

• Exploitation focuses on how results are used, applied, or taken forward

In practice, they overlap. Strong projects align all three rather than treating them separately.

Why is communication important in marine science and other research?

Ocean science is often complex, interdisciplinary, and closely tied to policy and decision-making.

Without effective communication:

• Research findings may not reach the right audiences

• Evidence may be misunderstood or underused

• Opportunities for impact can be lost

Good communication helps ensure that research informs decisions, policy, and practice.

How does a project typically start?

Projects start with a conversation, but what that involves can take different forms.

Some clients come with a clear request, for example, writing articles, developing a case study, or reviewing a website. In those cases, we can move quickly into scope, timelines, and delivery.

Others come with a broader sense that their communication could be working harder, without a fully defined brief. In those situations, we help shape the approach before proposing a tailored scope.

In both cases, the starting point is understanding what you're working on and what you're trying to achieve.

Do you work with individual researchers or only organisations?

Both. We work with individual researchers, research projects, institutions, NGOs, international programmes, and ocean sector businesses.

What matters most is whether the project is a good fit.

Can you help if we're not sure what we need?

Yes. Many projects begin with a sense that communication could be working harder, without a clear brief.

Part of our role is helping define the problem and shape the approach before any work begins.

What does working with Ocean Oculus look like?

Work is typically collaborative and tailored to the project. Depending on the scope, this might involve:

• developing a communication strategy

• working directly with researchers or project teams

• producing content and outputs

• advising on approach and messaging over time

We aim to integrate with your project rather than sit outside it.

Do you work alone or with a team?

Ocean Oculus is led by a single consultant but works with a network of trusted collaborators where needed, for example,

in design, development, or video production.

This allows projects to scale without the overhead of a large agency.

How do you ensure scientific accuracy?

We work closely with subject matter experts, ask detailed questions, and build in review stages where needed.

Accuracy is prioritised over speed, and uncertainty is clearly communicated where it exists.

Do you work on sensitive or contested topics?

Yes. Ocean science often involves politically or socially sensitive issues, including fisheries, deep-sea mining, climate impacts, and marine protection.

We are experienced in communicating complex or contested topics responsibly, without oversimplifying or overstating the science.

What services does Ocean Oculus offer?

Services include communication strategy, research communication, knowledge translation, content and storytelling, digital presence, event communications, and training.

More details are available on the services page.

What types of content do you create?

We produce a range of outputs depending on the project, including:

• articles and case studies

• reports and plain language summaries

• policy briefs

• website and digital content

• infographics and communication materials

All content is tailored to the intended audience.

Can you translate technical research for non-expert audiences?

Yes. Translating complex research into clear, accessible language is a core part of the work.

This can involve simplifying language, restructuring information, and adapting content for specific audiences without losing accuracy.

Do you deliver communication work packages (WP)?

Yes. Ocean Oculus has experience leading and delivering communication work packages within research projects.

This can include strategy, coordination, content production, and reporting.

Can you help with a one-off piece of work?

Yes. Some clients need a single deliverable, such as a policy brief or plain language summary. Others require ongoing support across a project.

We work flexibly depending on the scope.

Do you produce visual or video content?

Yes. For video and more complex visual production, we work with trusted collaborators and can support strategy, scripting, and direction.

How much does ocean communications support cost?

Projects are scoped and priced individually, depending on the complexity and requirements.

If you get in touch with a brief outline of your project, we can provide an indication of scope, approach, and likely cost.

How early should we involve a communications partner in a project?

As early as possible - even as soon as the proposal or planning stage.

Early involvement allows communication to be integrated into the project, rather than added later, which generally leads to stronger outcomes.

That said, it’s never too late to bring in communication support. Many projects reach a point where they need help translating results, strengthening outputs, or improving how their work is presented. Support can be tailored to where you are in the project lifecycle.

How quickly do you respond to enquiries?

We aim to respond to all enquiries within two to three working days.

Do you work internationally?

Yes. Most work is delivered remotely, and we regularly work with international clients and projects. On-site support or in-person visits can also be arranged where needed, for example, for workshops, events, or key project meetings.

Do you work with projects that promote fossil fuels or environmentally harmful practices?

No. Ocean Oculus does not take on work that promotes fossil fuels or activities that harm people or the planet.

The work aligns with the goals of the United Nations Ocean Decade and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.