Ocean Education Unit
Ocean Education Unit
This unit promotes public understanding of the ocean and the centre’s research through public engagement, citizen science, and initiatives in ocean education, conservation, and environmental awareness.
The Ocean Education Unit is mostly focused on non-scientific audiences, such as schools (up to year 12), general public, local communities and stakeholders (businesses and public entities).
Our vision: To foster ocean literacy and inspire meaningful public engagement in marine science through education, citizen science, outreach, and science communication.
Our mission: Interacting with non-scientific audiences to build relationships, increase awareness and promote engagement in CCMAR's goals and activities.
Get in touch!
We work hand in hand with CCMAR researchers to co-create activities that bring their expertise closer to society, ensuring all our initiatives reflect the centre’s mission and scientific excellence.
Our team:
Rita Costa Abecasis - Head of the unit | Marine biologist and science communicator
Gonçalo Brito - Project communication officer | Biologist and science communicator
Email: ccmaroceaneducation@ualg.pt
Visit us: Campus de Gambelas, Building 7, Room 2.89
Main roles and activities
Ocean Education Program
Plan and execute an educational program focused on ocean literacy, STEM career promotion, and environmental awareness, targeting the school community (K-12).
Educational Activities
Develop and implement interactive educational activities for schools and community groups (including NAU courses), in collaboration with researchers, ensuring alignment with CCMAR’s mission.
Outreach Events
Organize and participate in public events targeting non-scientific audiences to raise awareness of science and ocean literacy and to promote environmental responsibility. Examples of outreach events include community festivals, exhibits, beach cleanups, and summer awareness campaigns.
Projects
Develop and implement projects designed to enhance public understanding of marine science, environmental issues, and CCMAR’s research, reaching diverse audiences. At the moment, the unit is leading communication activities in projects LIFE-RESTORESEAGRASS, EUREMAP, and AQUATECHInn 4.0.
Citizen Science Initiatives
Coordinate and/or support citizen science activities that engage the public in data collection and scientific research, enhancing awareness of marine science and conservation.
Strategic Partnerships
Build partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders to amplify the impact of CCMAR’s outreach efforts and expand its mission.
Collaborations and Liaison
Act as a liaison between CCMAR and external partners, developing high-visibility outreach activities (e.g., documentaries, community events, exhibits) that enhance CCMAR’s profile.
Key areas
Promoting Ocean Literacy
Increasing society’s understanding of the ocean's influence on us and our influence on the ocean.
Ocean Education
Teaching and learning about the ocean across formal (e.g. schools, courses) and informal (e.g. exhibits, community events) settings.
Science Outreach
Activities that bring science to the public, especially outside academic settings.
Science Communication
Sharing scientific knowledge with non-expert audiences in engaging and understandable ways.
Citizen Science
Public participation in scientific research, often through data collection or observation.
STEAM Career Promotion
Encouraging young people to explore and pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.