Conveners:
Michele Lustrino (Sapienza Università di Roma)
Gaia Crippa (Università degli Studi di Milano)
Sara Ronca (Sapienza Università di Roma)
The aim of this session is to provide an updated overview of scientific outreach activities developed across different levels of communication, from students to the general public. Particular attention will be given to define innovative practices aimed at increasing awareness of geology as a useful yet emotionally empathetic scientific discipline. These dissemination activities are essential for raising awareness of the relevance of geology in society, emphasizing its key role in land management, in identifying and sourcing raw materials, and in connecting surface and deep-sea natural cycles. It is therefore crucial to transform the perception of geology from a mere "curiosity" with limited applications into a fundamental science for understanding natural processes that govern our planet and for supporting decision-making processes for society, policy, and sustainability. This has also important implications in increasing the number of students enrolled in Geological Sciences programs. The session goal is to present, through concrete examples, replicable and easily exportable scientific dissemination initiatives, and to share experiences and guidelines to facilitate their use in different contexts. The efficiency of this approach strongly benefits from practical activities carried out in full interaction with the public. Presentation of results, better if associates with ex-post evaluations, are welcome.