IAN Symbol Libraries reaches 20,000 downloads in 200+ countries
The IAN conceptual diagram symbol libraries reached a new milestone of 20,000 downloads from people in 202 countries. The IAN symbol libraries contain over 1,500 custom made symbols (in 32 categories) designed specifically for enhancing science communication skills through the development of conceptual diagrams. The aim of the libraries is to make them a standard resource for scientists, resource managers, community groups, and environmentalists worldwide. The IAN symbol libraries are available for download completely cost and royalty free.Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements
IAN has just published its first book, based on the content of our Science Communication Course. It includes an introduction to the principles of science communication–what effective science communication is, why it is important, and how to do it. The principles include how effective science communication can change societal paradigms and make one a better scientist. General principles relating to all science communication products include providing synthesis, visualization, and context, assembling self-contained visual elements such as photos, maps, conceptual diagrams and data, formatting content to define and simplify terms, and eliminating jargon and acronyms. Techniques and principles for communicating in different media–desktop publishing (including posters and newsletters), presentations and websites–are outlined. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate how effective science communication has become an integral part of a successful environmental science, monitoring, planning, and implementation program.
IAN Image & Video Library
The IAN Image & Video Library now contains over 1000 high resolution images (photos, satellite images, diagrams) and videos for use in science communication. The library is browsable by category and searchable via keywords. Our aim is to make the library the primary image and video resource for scientists, resource managers, community groups, and environmentalists worldwide, so we encourage users to contribute their images and videos to the library. Images and videos are provided completely free for any use–all that is required is an appropriate photographer credit.
Coastal Louisiana Newsletter
Enhancing Landscape Integrity in Coastal Louisiana: Water, Sediment & Ecosystems. This newsletter is based on the findings of the Conceptual Ecological Model Focus Group—March 2006 and provides a number of key conclusions and recommendations. The natural & human landscapes of coastal Louisiana are characterized by complex relationships among water, sediment & ecosystems. The sustainability of these landscapes is dependent upon critical processes that support the integrity of ecosystem features. This newsletter complements the previous IAN newsletter published in January 2006 entitled, Reducing flood damage in coastal Louisiana: Communities, culture and commerce.
University of Florida Science Communication Course
On July 20 and 21, the Integration and Application Network conducted a Science Communication course at the University of Florida in Gainesville. The 14 course participants came from organizations such as the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, Florida Sea Grant, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, and Charlotte County. Participants plan to use their new skills to promote public awareness and activism.