Ocean health depends not only on scientific progress, but also on society’s ability to understand, value, and act accordingly. Fostering an informed and engaged citizenry is essential to promote responsible behaviour, reduce human pressures, and move towards the sustainable use of the marine environment. The challenge was to bring science closer to society, translating expert knowledge into accessible content that drives real change.
AZTI has implemented a comprehensive ocean literacy strategy that combines training, outreach, and active participation, including:
AZTI’s Summer School, an annual international benchmark event that connects science, management, and society.
Outreach articles and videos that clearly explain the benefits provided by the ocean and the pressures it faces.
Teaching activities in master’s and doctoral programmes, training new generations of researchers.
Thematic conferences and seminars, bringing scientific knowledge closer to diverse audiences and sectors.
This integrated approach enables AZTI’s research to go beyond the academic sphere and become a driver of social transformation.
More than 20 editions of AZTI’s Summer School since 2004, consolidated as a key ocean literacy initiative in Europe.
International recognition: in 2024, the Summer School received the MakeEUBlue Awards: Celebrating Pioneers of Change in Ocean Literacy in Europe, awarded by the EU4Ocean Coalition and the European Commission.
Increased public awareness, fostering behavioural changes oriented towards respectful and sustainable use of the ocean.
Continuous training of professionals, strengthening the link between science, management, education, and society.
Sectors: Innovation management
Research lines: Blue Economy, Environmental management of seas and coasts
Research sublines: Conservation and restoration of marine species and habitats