Whether you're considering working with Ocean Oculus or trying to work out what support you need, these answers should help.

About Ocean Oculus

What is Ocean Oculus?

Ocean Oculus is an independent communications consultancy specialising in ocean science, sustainability and innovation.

Founded by marine scientist and communications specialist Dr Sam Andrews, Ocean Oculus works with research organisations, nonprofits, marine technology companies and other organisations across the ocean sector.

How is Ocean Oculus different from a general communications agency?

Most communications agencies work across many sectors and learn about your field as they go. Ocean Oculus specialises in ocean science, research, innovation, policy, and sustainability.

My background in marine science, journalism and communications means I understand the research and technical subjects behind much of my clients' work. I can work directly with scientists and other specialists without needing extensive explanations of the underlying subject matter.

Who founded Ocean Oculus, and what is their background?

I'm Dr Sam Andrews, a marine scientist, science journalist and communications consultant with more than a decade of experience across research, government, journalism and communications.

I founded Ocean Oculus to provide specialist communications support to organisations working across the ocean sector.

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 usually start with a conversation about what you're working on and where you need support.

If you already have a clear brief, such as writing an article, developing a case study or reviewing a website, we can discuss the scope, timeline and cost.

If you're less sure what you need, I can help you work through the options and decide on an approach.

Do you work with individual researchers or only organisations?

Both. I 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. You don't need a fully developed brief before getting in touch. I can help you identify what support would be most useful.

What does working with Ocean Oculus look like?

It depends on the project. I might work directly with you to develop and deliver a communications strategy, take on a particular assignment or provide ongoing support to your team.

I also work alongside other consultancies and agencies that need specialist ocean communications expertise for their projects.

Do you work alone or with a team?

I lead Ocean Oculus and work directly with clients on their projects. When additional expertise or capacity is needed, I can bring in trusted collaborators, such as designers, developers or videographers.

This means you have a consistent point of contact, whether I'm working on an individual assignment or managing a larger project.

How do you ensure scientific accuracy?

I work closely with subject experts, check details that need clarification and build in review stages where appropriate. I also make sure uncertainty is communicated clearly rather than overstating what the evidence shows.

Do you work on sensitive or contested topics?

I have experience communicating complex and contested subjects, including fisheries, deep-sea mining, climate impacts and marine protection, where accuracy and careful use of language are particularly important.

What services does Ocean Oculus offer?

Services include communication strategy, research communication, content and storytelling, websites and other online presence, event communications, and training.

More details are available on the services page.

What types of content do you create?

I 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 may involve simplifying language, restructuring information, identifying the most relevant messages, and adapting the format for different audiences without losing important nuance or accuracy.

Do you deliver communication work packages (WP)?

Yes. I have experience leading and delivering communications work packages for multi-partner research projects, including developing strategies, coordinating communications activities, producing content and reporting on progress.

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.

Do you produce visual or video content?

Yes. I can help with planning, messaging, scripting and coordinating visual or video content, working with specialist designers, illustrators or videographers where needed.

How much does ocean communications support cost?

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

If you send me a brief outline of your project, I can give you an indication of the likely scope, approach and 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?

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

Do you work internationally?

Yes. I'm based in France and work with clients internationally, primarily remotely. I can also arrange on-site support for workshops, events and project meetings when needed.

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

No. I don't work with organisations or projects that promote fossil fuels, environmental harm, misinformation or misleading sustainability claims.