Frontiers in outreach and education: The Florida red tide experience
Nierenberg, K.; Hollenbeck, J.; Fleming, L.E.; Stephan, W.; Reich, A.; Backer, L.C.; Currier, R.; Kirkpatrick, B. (2011). Frontiers in outreach and education: The Florida red tide experience. Harmful Algae 10(4): 374-380. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2011.01.004 In: Harmful Algae. Elsevier: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; London; Amsterdam; Shannon; Paris. ISSN 1568-9883; e-ISSN 1878-1470, more |  |
| Keywords | Karenia brevis (C.C.Davis) Gert Hansen & Moestrup, 2000 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal | | Author keywords | Communication tools; Evaluation of outreach and education; Florida red tide; Harmful algal blooms and public knowledge; Karenia brevis; Outreach and education |
| Authors | | Top | - Nierenberg, K.
- Hollenbeck, J.
- Fleming, L.E., more
- Stephan, W.
| - Reich, A.
- Backer, L.C.
- Currier, R.
- Kirkpatrick, B.
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| Abstract | To enhance information sharing and garner increased support from the public for scientific research, funding agencies now typically require that research groups receiving support convey their work to stakeholders. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) funded Aerosolized Florida Red Tide P01 research group (Florida Red Tide Research Group) has employed a variety of outreach strategies to meet this requirement. Messages developed from this project began a decade ago and have evolved from basic print material (fliers and posters) to an interactive website, to the use of video and social networking technologies, such as Facebook and Twitter. The group was able to track dissemination of these information products; however, evaluation of their effectiveness presented much larger challenges. The primary lesson learned by the Florida Red Tide Research Group is that the best ways to reach specific stakeholders are to develop unique products or services to address specific stakeholders’ needs, such as the Beach Conditions Reporting System. Based on the experience of the Group, the most productive messaging products result when scientific community engages potential stakeholders and outreach experts during the very initial phases of a project. |
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