To increase awareness of the current challenges facing the marine environment,
the Future of Our Seas (FOOS) project brought together the expertise of
scientists, public engagement experts and creatives to train and support a
group of marine scientists in effective science communication and innovative
public engagement. This case study aims to inspire scientists and artists to
use the FOOS approach in training, activity design and development support
(hereafter called the ‘FOOS programme’) to collaboratively deliver novel
and creative engagement activities. The authors reflect on the experiences
of the marine scientists: (1) attending the FOOS communication and
engagement training; (2) creating and delivering public engagement activities;
(3) understanding our audience; and (4) collaborating with artists. The authors
also share what the artists and audiences learned from participating in the
FOOS public engagement activities. These different perspectives provide new
insights for the field with respect to designing collaborative training which
maximizes the impact of the training on participants, creative collaborators and
the public. Long-term benefits of taking part in the FOOS programme, such as
initiating future collaborative engagement activities and positively impacting
the scientists’ research processes, are also highlighted
