CommOCEAN 2016

Whether you're a marine scientist keen to be speed-trained in modern ocean science communication skills or a communicator, working for a marine institute, NGO or governmental body, this CommOCEAN International Marine Science Communication event is for you.

Following on from the successful IMSCC-1, organized by CIIMAR, Ciencia Viva & EMBCP in 2014, the Bruges-Ostend CommOCEAN event is a unique opportunity to make a major leap forward in communicating your ocean knowledge. The organizers (VLIZ, EMB, EMBCP, UNESCO-IOC-IODE) are developing an inspiring, innovative and interactive programme consisting of two separate events: a 2-day conference in Bruges (6-7 December 2016), followed by a 1-day high-level training program at the InnovOcean facilities in Ostend (8 December 2016).

Read more about the venues, the scope and the tentative program here: www.CommOCEAN.org.

The call for contributions (orals, poster, workshop) is now open for the 2-day conference. We encourage the submission of abstracts from all areas of science communication with a special focus on the ocean, marine and estuarine realm.

The four major sessions of the conference comprise:
1. the fundamentals of science communication/reaching out to the public;
2. optimizing impact;
3. social media & graphics;
4. think out of the box; new formats & creativity.

In terms of ocean topics, there will be a special (but not restrictive) focus on 'Marine climate change', 'Ocean plankton/microbiota', 'Deep sea exploration' and 'Ocean observation'.

Formats

Three presentation formats are applicable for CommOCEAN 2016:
1. Oral presentation in the main plenary program (12'+3' Q/A)
2. Workshop interactive sessions in parallel groups (60')
3. Poster presentation, displayed at a central location

Submission guidelines

Abstracts must be submitted in English to abstracts2016@CommOCEAN.org, according to the guidelines and the template provided here.

Please make sure that you indicate your preference for one or more of the three suggested formats: oral, poster, workshop. If submitting an abstract for a workshop please indicate the planned format and content, including any logistical requirements.

Deadline for submission

Abstracts can be submitted until 1 June 2016 at the latest.

Questions regarding abstract submisson?

Please don't hesitate to contact info@CommOCEAN.org.