ID: 1658
Presenting Author: Norma Serra-Sogas
Session: 675 - Transparency to Trust: Communicating Complex Science and Data Effectively
Status: pending
Sharing TC’s CEMS strategies for clear, inclusive science communication that bridges Indigenous and scientific knowledge to build trust, transparency, and engagement in impact assessment.
Effectively communicating complex scientific data is vital to fostering transparency, credibility, and trust in impact assessment (IA) processes—especially when engaging diverse audiences. This presentation shares science communication strategies from the Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping (CEMS) initiative, a collaborative effort led by Transport Canada with Indigenous partners across Canada. CEMS examines the potential cumulative effects of regional marine vessel activities on coastal environments and the communities that depend on them.
We will highlight tools and approaches—such as StoryMaps, graphic recordings, visual art, videography, and youth engagement— that translate technical information into accessible, culturally relevant formats. These strategies not only enhance public understanding but also respect Indigenous knowledge systems and diverse ways of knowing, supporting inclusive and meaningful engagement.
The presentation will reflect on lessons learned throughout co-development, emphasizing relationship-building, responsiveness to community needs, and designing communication approaches collaboratively. We will also discuss ongoing efforts to publish CEMS outputs through the Open Science and Data Portal, advancing transparency and accessibility in IA.
By sharing practical tools and reflections, this presentation contributes to broader conversations about strengthening trust, openness, and innovation in science communication.
Norma Serra-Sogas, Environmental Analyst at Transport Canada, joined the CEMS team in 2022, after 15 years as Researcher and Program Lead at UVic’s Coastal and Ocean Resource Analysis Lab.