Communicating Science Up and Down in the Gulf of California

N-Gen convened a science communications workshop in the city of Ensenada, Baja California, from December 7-9, 2016. The workshop brought together researchers from natural and social sciences as well as science communicators to engage in interdisciplinary discussion to strengthen the outreach capacity of researchers in the Sonoran Desert and the Gulf of California. Participants created a resolution about the role of scientists today and developed a series of key points to increase dialogue and connectivity between science and society. The profile of modern scientists should include the communication of our work, taking into account the following:

• • The challenges of social and environmental change require a new approach and a role for scientists in society. Scientists must leave our comfort zone and actively connect the processes and results of our research with the rest of society.

• • Scientists are not alone in the implementation of communicating our work. The scientific process must include working in teams to collaborate with experts in science communication

• • Science communication is the translation of science for different audiences into narratives and clear messages that balance scientific rigor and broad interest.

• • By communicating science we are sharing our passion.

• • Broad success in science communication requires open access and resource sharing (videos, infographics, photos, databases, etc.)

• • This work is not free, and requires both monetary and human capital investments.

• • Creativity and ethics are essential.

• • The communication of science implies the inclusion of an inter- or trans-disciplinary perspective, recognizing the limits of the scientific facts and speculation.

Written by the participants of the 2016 N-Gen workshop “Communicating Science Up and Down in the Gulf of California” If you support these views please follow this link to endorse the Manifiesto to be listed as supporting this new profile of scientist. If you want to be actively involved in transforming the way scientists in the Sonoran Desert region communicate their results please also fill out the additional field with your email and a brief description of your interest and we will be in contact with you with further information about upcoming N-Gen activities, workshops, training, curriculum development, etc. related to Science Communication in the region.

Those who endorse this statement include:

Ben Wilder, University of Arizona Taylor Edwards, University of Arizona Enriquena Bustamante Ana Luisa Figueroa Michelle María Early Capistrán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Isai Domínguez Guerrero, KualiComunicación Xchel Aurora P. Palafox, CICIMAR – IPN Ileana Espejel, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Ana Claudia Nepote, ENES Unidad Morelia, UNAM Jose L. Abella Gutiérrez, Comunidad y Biodiversidad A.C. Oscar Vélez Ruiz Gaitán Pablo Hernández Morales, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur Martha Patricia Alcaraz Flores, Universidad Autónoma de Baja Californiaa Aída Otálora-Ardila Charlie de la Rosa, University of California Los Angeles Sula Vanderplank Scott Bennett, U.S. Geological Survey Kate Boersma, University of San Diego Juan Manuel Pérez Guzmán Aurora Palafox Leon, UJAT Jesús Israel Baxin Martínez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Arnulfo Moreno Lyn Loveless, The College of Wooster Christopher Scott, Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona Christopher Cokinos, University of Arizona Olivia Miller, University of Arizona Museum of Art