COALESCE Hubs given opportunity to connect with leading science communication networks in Europe and beyond
New collaborations between COALESCE Hubs and networks supporting science communication across Europe and internationally are being established.
The latest Mutual Learning and Exploitation event (ML&E 6), which was held online, provided the opportunity for Hubs to hear about the work of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) Hubs and Falling Walls Engage Hubs. It is planned to launch up to five small projects that would see staff at a COALESCE Hub working with either EDMO Hubs or Falling Walls Engage Hubs on disinformation or climate change communication projects.
At ML&E 6, Elena Maggi, EDMO Hubs Coordinator, described the work of their Hubs, which cover all 15 EU member states as well as Moldova, Norway and Spain. This network contributes to the detection and analysis of disinformation about health and climate, as well as organising media literacy activities. Sacha Hannon, Project Manager, International Networks at Falling Walls Engage, gave examples of its Hubs’ projects, in countries such as Argentina and Mexico, that are supporting science communication.
To start developing project ideas at the ML&E, COALESCE Hub representatives described challenges related to misinformation and climate change communication in their countries, as well as potential solutions. They then considered activities they could work on with EDMO Hubs related to misinformation and Falling Walls Engage Hubs related to climate change. Specific ideas and projects will be selected to move to the next stage in their development.
Representatives from the COALESCE Hubs were also briefed at the ML&E on the latest work to develop science communication competence frameworks for communication officers, researchers and museum staff. These frameworks will detail the science communication skills and know-how expected of these groups at different levels of expertise – foundation, intermediate, advanced and expert. The frameworks will be used to inform the development of science communication training within the Competence Centre training portfolio.
The ML&E also included an update for Hubs on the training they will be able to provide to their own science communication communities – using Competence Centre resources. COALESCE Hubs have been invited to the trainer sessions on how to use two training resources developed by the Competence Centre – a discussion game on communication in times of crisis and a misinformation discussion game.
