From Research to Reach: Reflections from Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
A Global Gathering of Ocean Science
Last week of February, our Isla Mar team traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, to attend the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026. While we were proud to present our work, what stayed with us most were the conversations, connections, and shared questions about how ocean science can better reach people.
Our session, “From Research to Reach: Ocean Science Collaborations for Broader Societal Impact,” brought together a community of educators thinking critically about what it means for science to extend beyond research into real-world impact. Across presentations and discussions, a common theme emerged: producing knowledge is only one part of the process—ensuring that knowledge is accessible, meaningful, and shared is just as essential.
As part of this session, we shared two perspectives on how our work continues to evolve at the intersection of research and education. Chelsea presented “Dynamic by Design: A Case Study of Responsive Ridge-to-Reef Field Programs,” which explored how our field programs are intentionally built to adapt—allowing us to shift between the roles of scientist and educator depending on the needs of each partnership and audience.
Leslie delivered an oral presentation titled “Connecting Students and Scientists: Making Marine Science Accessible in Puerto Rico’s Isla Mar Youth Education Program,” highlighting how we create hands-on learning experiences that bring students into direct contact with active researchers while also supporting scientists in developing the communication skills needed to engage younger audiences. Together, these presentations reflect our broader commitment to designing programs that are both scientifically grounded and accessible. Chelsea’s poster can be viewed here.
Building and Renewing Connections
One of the most energizing aspects of the week was the opportunity to connect. Conferences often serve as checkpoints in long-term relationships, and this one was no different. We reconnected with past connections, strengthened existing partnerships, and built new relationships with people doing inspiring work across disciplines. There was also something particularly meaningful about finding fellow Puerto Rican scientists in such a large, international space. Those moments—unexpected conversations, shared context, immediate understanding—reminded us that even in global settings, place and identity continue to shape how we show up in science.
Beyond networking, we spent time listening. Educators and program leaders repeatedly emphasized the importance of scientists being actively present in learning environments—not as distant experts, but as participants in the educational experience. When students can interact directly with scientists, ask questions, and see the people behind the work, science becomes more tangible and more human. This is what we were there to present and share about, too!
The Role of Scientists in Education
At the same time, there was an equally important message directed back at the scientific community: presence alone is not enough. Scientists need support in translating their work into formats and language that resonate with different audiences, especially younger learners. This is not a simple task. It requires intention, practice, and often guidance. But when done well, it creates a bridge—one where complex ideas are not simplified to the point of losing meaning, but instead reshaped in ways that invite understanding.
These conversations closely reflect the approach we continue to develop at Isla Mar. Our programs are designed to be dynamic, not only in content but in role. Scientists are not just researchers in our spaces—they become communicators, mentors, and collaborators in the learning process. At the same time, we see education not as a separate track, but as an integrated part of how science operates and evolves.
Carrying the Work Forward
Leaving the meeting, we are carrying forward a renewed sense of responsibility. If we want science to have a broader societal impact, we have to be deliberate about how it is shared, who is included, and how connections are built along the way.
Ocean science is not just about understanding systems—it is also about strengthening the relationships that allow that understanding to matter.
Where are we headed next?
Our next adventures hope to include the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) conference in Hawaii (2027), the Aquatic Sciences Meeting here in Puerto Rico (San Juan, 2027), and returning to the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Vancouver (2028). Isla Mar is also planning to jump back into our regular attendance at the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute conferences, where we got our start presenting science.
