During its anniversary ceremony held at CICAT this Wednesday, PAR Explora Biobío presented an award to the Millennium Institute of Oceanography and its Communications Director, Bárbara Léniz, for their contribution to regional science outreach.
This Wednesday, as part of the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the Regional Associative Program (PAR) Explora Biobío, a well-attended anniversary ceremony took place at the Science and Technology Innovation Center (CICAT).
During the event, awards were presented to institutions and professionals who have established a track record of collaboration and contribution to the regional scientific ecosystem. Among them, recognition was awarded to the Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO in spanish)and its Director of Communications and Engagement, Bárbara Léniz, for their commitment to strengthening scientific, technological, and innovation culture in the region.
For Léniz, this distinctionreinforces the bond we have built with PAR Explora Biobío throughout all these years of collaborative work, both from an institutional perspective, with the IMO, and from a more individual or personal perspective".
"In this sense, part of my professional development in the field of science outreach and communication has also been marked—and strengthened—by my participation in various initiatives and activities promoted by other institutions, such as PAR Explora Biobío and CICAT, which has enriched my training”, she added.
A large part of this alliance is embodied in the Atacamexexhibition, which marks four years at CICAT, bringing deep-ocean exploration and the mysteries of the Atacama Trench closer to the community. In this context, Léniz noted that "we are currently designing an update for the gallery to incorporate the new discoveries and milestones achieved by the IMO in recent years".
Search for new narratives and formats
The IMO professional emphasizes that this work aligns with the importance of identifying and understanding the current interests, concerns, and needs of society and future generations, recognizing that not everyone engages with scientific knowledge in the same way.
When asked about the relevance of designing and implementing engagement initiatives, Bárbara Léniz points out that “it becomes crucial to seek different narratives and formats that are relevant and accessible, allowing people to identify with them while fostering dialogue and ownership".
"Today, there is a special focus on adapting content to different formats in response to diverse audiences and taking into account identified interests and needs. There is greater awareness that any initiative aimed at bringing science closer to the community must be co-created with the people who make up that community, rather than imposed by whoever wants to communicate. Otherwise, instead of connecting science with society, it increases the sense of distance and distrust ”, she expanded.