Estrategias de comunicación científica aplicada en el caso proyecto Vlir teams parques activos para audiencias de niños y jóvenes cuencanos

Abstract

This study explored science communication strategies and tools for the Vlir Teams Active Parks Project, which aims to provide children and adolescents with spaces for recreational activities. The project is part of the Vlir Network, a research and postgraduate program network in Ecuador supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) of Belgium, promoting research and postgraduate education in Ecuador. The study focuses on identifying effective communication channels, content, messages, and formats for children and adolescents in Cuenca, Ecuador, during 2022-2024. The methodology included Participatory Action Research (PAR) workshops with project researchers, using tools like Message-Box and De-Jargonizer, surveys of children and adolescents aged 10-19, and participant observation data from interviews and workshops. Key findings indicate that Instagram and TikTok, which use videos in under one minute with simple language, are the most effective channels. The workshops improved researchers' scientific communication skills. It concludes that successful communication with teenagers relies on adapting language and simplifying content using various tools to decode information.