Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Blue-connect 2.0 (Reconnecting Science with the Blue Society - Blue-connect 2.0)
Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-12-31
Built upon the legacy of the original Blue-connect project, Blue-connect 2.0 deepens the relationship between the Mediterranean community and its coastal environment by integrating scientific research, public awareness, and environmental sustainability. The project refines researchers' communication skills, illuminates the societal relevance of their work, and champions inclusivity while addressing Mediterranean environmental challenges through public initiatives, media outlets, and educational campaigns.
Inspired by the flywheel model, the methodology creates a comprehensive cycle of awareness, engagement, and sustained interest through European Researchers' Night events, activities in rural and remote areas, hands-on student experiences, and the "I explore" brand. Follow-up activities showcase youth science and art works, while collaborations with prominent entities and school ambassadors amplify reach and impact. Continuous evaluation ensures iterative improvements aligned with the mission to democratize science and integrate it deeply within Mediterranean communities.
Inspired by the flywheel model, the methodology creates a comprehensive cycle of awareness, engagement, and sustained interest through European Researchers' Night events, activities in rural and remote areas, hands-on student experiences, and the "I explore" brand. Follow-up activities showcase youth science and art works, while collaborations with prominent entities and school ambassadors amplify reach and impact. Continuous evaluation ensures iterative improvements aligned with the mission to democratize science and integrate it deeply within Mediterranean communities.
The Blue-connect 2.0 project achieved significant results through diverse activities promoting research and science:
• Over 220 awareness campaign activities (workshops, lectures, exhibitions, open days) with more than 33,000 participants
• 195 Researchers at Schools activities and 197 school visits to research organizations, engaging over 16,000 students and teachers
• Main ERN events attracted over 23,000 visitors in 2024 and 2025, inspiring interest in research careers
• High researcher and student involvement sharing work and knowledge
• Development and implementation of impact evaluation methodologies
• Contributions to scientific literacy, career interest, and understanding of Mediterranean topics
These achievements demonstrate progress in reconnecting science with society, building trust, and successfully engaging youth and the general public.
• Over 220 awareness campaign activities (workshops, lectures, exhibitions, open days) with more than 33,000 participants
• 195 Researchers at Schools activities and 197 school visits to research organizations, engaging over 16,000 students and teachers
• Main ERN events attracted over 23,000 visitors in 2024 and 2025, inspiring interest in research careers
• High researcher and student involvement sharing work and knowledge
• Development and implementation of impact evaluation methodologies
• Contributions to scientific literacy, career interest, and understanding of Mediterranean topics
These achievements demonstrate progress in reconnecting science with society, building trust, and successfully engaging youth and the general public.
The project advanced beyond the state of the art through innovative approaches reconnecting science with society. Key advancements include public engagement strategies utilizing interactive methods, tailored youth activities through educational collaborations, and impact assessment methodology analyzing public perception and effective communication strategies.
Achievements resulted in significant outcomes: enhanced public recognition of science, increased scientist-public trust and engagement, socio-economic impact through skilled workforce development, and wider societal implications addressing climate change and environmental degradation in the Mediterranean. The project increases public trust in science, empowers youth toward research careers, promotes environmental resilience, and strengthens science-society relationships.
Activities of the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries were presented in:
Eparkhina, D., Banchi, E., Borja, Á., Canu, D., Ezgeta-Balić, D., Giusta, E., King, A., Koulouri, P., Locritani, M., Manca Zeichen, M., Pomaro, A., Petrera, F., Uyarra, M. C., & Valestrand, L. (2026). Scientists for Ocean Literacy: Empowering scientists as ocean advocates. In T. J. Kennedy (Ed.), Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade—Volume I: Transforming Education, Research, and Engagement (Chapter 20). Springer Nature.
This open-access volume demonstrates how EU scientists promote ocean knowledge across target groups and will be published in early 2026 as the first of three volumes during the UN Ocean Decade.
Achievements resulted in significant outcomes: enhanced public recognition of science, increased scientist-public trust and engagement, socio-economic impact through skilled workforce development, and wider societal implications addressing climate change and environmental degradation in the Mediterranean. The project increases public trust in science, empowers youth toward research careers, promotes environmental resilience, and strengthens science-society relationships.
Activities of the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries were presented in:
Eparkhina, D., Banchi, E., Borja, Á., Canu, D., Ezgeta-Balić, D., Giusta, E., King, A., Koulouri, P., Locritani, M., Manca Zeichen, M., Pomaro, A., Petrera, F., Uyarra, M. C., & Valestrand, L. (2026). Scientists for Ocean Literacy: Empowering scientists as ocean advocates. In T. J. Kennedy (Ed.), Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade—Volume I: Transforming Education, Research, and Engagement (Chapter 20). Springer Nature.
This open-access volume demonstrates how EU scientists promote ocean knowledge across target groups and will be published in early 2026 as the first of three volumes during the UN Ocean Decade.