Communicating Climate Change: Lessons Learned from a Researcher-Museum Collaboration

Area of Science:

• Science communication
• Public engagement with science
• Lifelong learning

Background:

• Misinformation and misunderstanding of scientific facts negatively impact society.
• Existing science outreach programs often have narrow focuses (e.g., health, STEM, youth).
• A need exists for broader, inclusive science communication initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a pilot science communication fellowship.
• To train researchers in effectively conveying current science information to the public.
• To explore university-museum collaborations for science outreach.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration between a museum's Research and Learning Center and interdisciplinary researchers.
• Development of a science communication fellowship program.
• Focus on training researchers for public communication and lifelong learning.

Main Results:

• A pilot fellowship successfully trained researchers in science communication.
• The collaboration provided a model for university-museum partnerships.
• Lessons were learned regarding the formation and execution of such collaborations.

Conclusions:

• University-museum collaborations can effectively bridge the science communication gap.
• Targeted training enhances researchers' ability to communicate science to the public.
• This model supports future initiatives for science outreach and lifelong learning.