The CommOCEAN 2024 conference concluded this week in Málaga, bringing together marine science communicators from across Europe and beyond for two days of insightful discussions and innovative ideas. Organized by the European Marine Board Communication Panel (EMCP), the event kicked off with an ice-breaker aboard the RV Odón de Buen, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography‘s state-of-the-art vessel, offering participants a unique networking opportunity and a glimpse into cutting-edge research capabilities. Warm opening remarks from key figures set an engaging tone for the sessions that followed.
The conference explored crucial topics in marine science communication, including strategies for crisis messaging, countering misinformation, fostering citizen science, and creative approaches like storytelling, art, and music. Highlights included a keynote by Joanne Sweeney on mastering social media, a media-science roundtable co-organized with the IUCN, and closing keynotes on AI’s transformative role in communication. The event wrapped up with an award ceremony celebrating creativity and innovation, recognizing Anja Samardzic and Iwona Gin for their exceptional contributions.
CommOCEAN 2024 was a celebration of collaboration and commitment to marine science communication. Thanks to all who made it a success—see you in Bergen in 2026!