Embedding public engagement at the core of scientific projects

At the recent European Geosciences Union (EGU) Annual Meeting in Vienna—an event held from April 28^th – May 2^nd that brought together 20,000 geoscientists, policymakers, journalists, and other stakeholders from around the world – the need for engaging policymakers, communities and diverse audiences was seen as part of the core mission of scientific projects, and not purely as a wishful add-on.

In workshops about risk communication, uncertainty communication, and impacting policy, researchers presented different initiatives that they had worked on, thought through best practices and considered their role in achieving impact across society.

Climate change and its impacts was another constant theme, with 50 programme entries referring to climate change and sessions on topics such as “Climate change, morals and how people understand the politics of climate change,” “Engaging Citizens in Understanding Urban Climate and Climate Change Risks through Participatory Science,” and “Nature-based solutions: efficacy, design, and assessment for climate change adaptation.” Other sessions on broader topics such a policy impact or communication of risks and uncertainty placed the emphasis on what works best in communicating the information, and less on whether communication is part of scientists’ responsibility.