Students following the Master of Science in Applied Oceanography and the Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry recently took part in a specialised visit to the Malta National Aquarium aimed at exploring science communication in action.

Organised by Dr Anthony Galea and Dr Edward Duca, the visit offered students an inside look at how the Aquarium communicates marine science to a wide range of audiences. The programme included a tailor-made tour around the Aquarium, followed by a talk on communication strategies, and a demonstration of educational activities used with school groups.

Aquarium staff shared their approach to engaging the public, including how they adapt activities according to audience age and group size. Students had the opportunity to experience first-hand some of the hands-on activities developed for schools, and gained insight into how these are used to convey scientific concepts in an accessible and memorable way.

Beyond on-site education, the session also addressed the Aquarium’s broader communication strategy: How it promotes itself across various media platforms, the methods used to reach different segments of the public, and how they engage visitors through a mix of informative signage, guided tours, and interactive experiences.

This visit was made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Geosciences (Faculty of Science), the Department of Mathematics & Science Education (Faculty of Education), the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and the Malta National Aquarium.

Special thanks go to Prof. Alan Deidun, Mark Pace, Érica Moura, Manuel Simao, and Michelle Barbara for their invaluable contributions to this initiative.