The European Marine Board Communication Panel (EMBCP) is currently taking part in the 1st International Marine Science Communication Conference (IMSCC 2014) in Porto. The conference aims to highlight new tools and practices for scientists and marine science communicators in developing their skills and improving dialogue with a range of target audiences including the general public and decision-makers. The concept of a conference dedicated to marine science communication was first proposed by the EMBCP. As a result, IMSCC 2014 has been jointly organized by CIIMAR (Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto), the EMBCP and Ciência Viva (Portuguese National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture). Presentations and workshops cover a broad spectrum of marine science communication issues including the use of tools such as social media and infographics, tips for dealing with the media and case studies of successful outreach programmes employing best practice. The full programme is available on the IMSCC 2014 website.
Featured on the picture: Jan Seys, EMBCP Chair/VLIZ, Belgium (right), speaking at the opening of IMSCC 2014.