Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SCIENCEinBLUE (WHEN SCENTIST GO UNDER THE OCEANS)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2024-03-01 do 2026-02-28
Launched in 2024, SCIENCEinBLUE aims to bring researchers working in the area of underwater science and technology closer to the public, in order to increase awareness of research and innovation. A consortium of two universities (Galatasaray University, Akdeniz University) and one SME (Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center) showed the role of the researcher for the society and economy by giving reference to their worldwide experience, in particular the European Union projects in which their staff has worked in the past. The project aimed to connect researchers working in the field of underwater sciences and technology with the public, introduce young generations to opportunities for scientific research on underwater archeology, seas, oceans, and lakes, and raise awareness about underwater cultural heritage and its protection. Furthermore, in line with the EU 2030 Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” goals, the project also aimed to make significant contributions to create awareness in protecting and improving the health of oceans and waters through research, innovation, citizen participation, and blue investments.Within this scope, numerous activities were planned by the project team in primary, secondary and high schools in seven different regions of Türkiye, from Gökçeada to Hakkari, over a period of 24 months as well as two researchers’ night in Istanbul (2024) and Antalya (2025).
Throughout its implementation period, the project, reached 12.008 students, 938 teachers in a total of 146 schools (more than 20 visits per region) during the “Researchers at School” Activities. The Researchers’ Night participation was more than 3100 citizens.
One of the key scientific and methodological outputs of the project was the development of an impact assessment framework capable of comparatively measuring the effects of science communication activities in different regional contexts. This framework is largely based on standard surveys administered immediately after Researchers at Schools events. This enabled learning outcomes, changes in perceptions, and behavioral intentions to be measured consistently and directly over time. The method used provides a comprehensive analytical approach that integrates quantitative indicators with qualitative findings to assess the multidimensional impact of science communication activities.
The findings obtained during the project period show that the activities have had significant and positive effects. In many regions, project activities served as the first contact with science for students; especially in regions without direct contact with the sea, students were introduced to marine research, underwater technologies, and scientific career opportunities in these fields for the first time. In activities carried out in coastal regions, students' daily contact with the sea was transformed into a structured learning experience through direct interaction with researchers and scientific explanations. As a result, a significant increase in knowledge level, scientific interest, and research motivation was observed.
The survey results revealed that the activities were not limited to merely transferring information, but also enhanced students' environmental awareness, encouraged them to share what they learned with their social circles, and strengthened their motivation to explore scientific topics in the future. These results indicate that the activities supported lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, when evaluated from the perspective of access to science and inclusivity, the participation data showed a balanced distribution across different educational levels and genders, with high participation rates observed among female students in many regions. This demonstrates that the project approach creates inclusive learning environments and contributes to reducing structural barriers to access in STEM fields.
One of the key scientific and methodological outputs of the project was the development of an impact assessment framework capable of comparatively measuring the effects of science communication activities in different regional contexts. This framework is largely based on standard surveys administered immediately after Researchers at Schools events. This enabled learning outcomes, changes in perceptions, and behavioral intentions to be measured consistently and directly over time. The method used provides a comprehensive analytical approach that integrates quantitative indicators with qualitative findings to assess the multidimensional impact of science communication activities.
The findings obtained during the project period show that the activities have had significant and positive effects. In many regions, project activities served as the first contact with science for students; especially in regions without direct contact with the sea, students were introduced to marine research, underwater technologies, and scientific career opportunities in these fields for the first time. In activities carried out in coastal regions, students' daily contact with the sea was transformed into a structured learning experience through direct interaction with researchers and scientific explanations. As a result, a significant increase in knowledge level, scientific interest, and research motivation was observed.
The survey results revealed that the activities were not limited to merely transferring information, but also enhanced students' environmental awareness, encouraged them to share what they learned with their social circles, and strengthened their motivation to explore scientific topics in the future. These results indicate that the activities supported lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, when evaluated from the perspective of access to science and inclusivity, the participation data showed a balanced distribution across different educational levels and genders, with high participation rates observed among female students in many regions. This demonstrates that the project approach creates inclusive learning environments and contributes to reducing structural barriers to access in STEM fields.
Many initiatives in the field of science communication rely on one-off events and lack systematic impact measurement. Thanks to the integrated evaluation model developed within our project, we have enabled the simultaneous integration of experience-based learning, researcher-student interaction, and comparative impact assessment, filling a gap in this area. Therefore, the most important contribution of our project is the creation of an evidence-based and repeatable methodological framework that allows for the measurement of the impact of science communication activities in different socio-geographical conditions.
To measure the impact of the field activities, standardized surveys were administered to students after each event, supported by a systematic data collection and impact assessment approach. The data obtained were analyzed by evaluating quantitative indicators (knowledge acquisition, interest in science, career awareness) together with qualitative findings obtained from the thematic analysis of open-ended responses. The application of the same measurement tools across all regions enabled the creation of a comprehensive dataset that allowed for comparative analysis between regions with different socio-economic conditions and levels of access to the sea.
Standardized questionnaires and qualitative feedback show a significant increase in students' knowledge levels, curiosity, and interest in scientific careers related to marine and underwater sciences. Regional comparisons revealed that the model could produce similar results in different socio-geographical conditions. Activities in inland areas represented the first scientific contact for most students, while in coastal areas, everyday marine experiences were transformed into a scientific framework.
Analyses also showed that the most impactful content was technology-based applications. Underwater robots, exploration vehicles, and scientific equipment were particularly popular among students. Underwater archaeology and cultural heritage narratives also left a strong impression on students. For our project to have a lasting impact, it is crucial to maintain collaboration between researchers and educational institutions. Sharing the methodological approach developed within the project through academic publications is also planned. This will contribute to the field of science communication.
In a nutshell, SCIENCEinBLUE has succeeded in creating a science communication model based on direct interaction between researchers and students, educators, and the public, and whose impact can be systematically measured. The dataset and methodological framework created within the project serve as an important reference for future science communication initiatives.
To measure the impact of the field activities, standardized surveys were administered to students after each event, supported by a systematic data collection and impact assessment approach. The data obtained were analyzed by evaluating quantitative indicators (knowledge acquisition, interest in science, career awareness) together with qualitative findings obtained from the thematic analysis of open-ended responses. The application of the same measurement tools across all regions enabled the creation of a comprehensive dataset that allowed for comparative analysis between regions with different socio-economic conditions and levels of access to the sea.
Standardized questionnaires and qualitative feedback show a significant increase in students' knowledge levels, curiosity, and interest in scientific careers related to marine and underwater sciences. Regional comparisons revealed that the model could produce similar results in different socio-geographical conditions. Activities in inland areas represented the first scientific contact for most students, while in coastal areas, everyday marine experiences were transformed into a scientific framework.
Analyses also showed that the most impactful content was technology-based applications. Underwater robots, exploration vehicles, and scientific equipment were particularly popular among students. Underwater archaeology and cultural heritage narratives also left a strong impression on students. For our project to have a lasting impact, it is crucial to maintain collaboration between researchers and educational institutions. Sharing the methodological approach developed within the project through academic publications is also planned. This will contribute to the field of science communication.
In a nutshell, SCIENCEinBLUE has succeeded in creating a science communication model based on direct interaction between researchers and students, educators, and the public, and whose impact can be systematically measured. The dataset and methodological framework created within the project serve as an important reference for future science communication initiatives.