Working group on volcano science communication
The mitigation of volcanic hazards and risk requires effective communication strategies, which are needed to share relevant information both during emergencies and during quiet periods. This transfer of information needs to take place at different levels to provide the appropriate connection between science and society. Different stakeholders are involved (including scientists, civil protection authorities, administrators, media, and the citizens) and different forms of communication are required, ranging from the design of unambiguous alert signs to the definition of education programmes at different levels.
The generation and distribution of accessible scientific information requires specific skills that go well beyond the scientific knowledge. The aim of this working group will be to gather together experts from different disciplines to discuss the strategies that we implement to ensure appropriate communication on volcanic hazards and risk.
The working group will provide a venue to discuss relevant communication issues and where to get feedback from different disciplines. The first aim of the working group will be to sketch out the current state of the art on hazard communication, both in volcanology and in other fields facing natural hazard. A newsletter will be also devised to share any communication related issue and improve the communication among scientists as well.
This working group is currently under development, and more information will follow shortly.
If interested in getting involved please contact Micol Todesco