The Biota Project: A Grassroots Approach to Scientific Communication using Multimedia for Engaging Diverse Audiences

While strides in science communication have contributed to a democratization of the scientific world, science continues to struggle with its accessibility in the public sphere. In particular, mainstream science remains largely inaccessible and unrepresentative of underserved communities. We, The Biota Project, a grassroots non-profit organization, aim to address this issue using an innovative multimedia approach that bridges communication and comprehension of scientific topics between scientists and underrepresented communities. We present several of our current projects, challenges encountered, and learnings we have had throughout our development.

Our communication campaigns work through the blending of art and science by way of (1) short film production, (2) individual artist and scientist features, (3) themed social media posts, and (4) community engagement through content submission. For example, through film and music, we spotlighted the people of and symbiotic relationships found within the Central Valley of California, an under-appreciated region of California accountable for most of America's agricultural economy (https://www.thebiotaproject.org/projects).

As science communication continues to become an integral part of good scientific practices, initiatives such as The Biota Project serve as critical points of reference for navigating challenges common to many new similar organizations, including: (i) team coordination and logistics, (ii) recruitment and retention of skilled partners, (iii) funding, and (iv) refinement of outreach approach. In our case, online communication, flexibility in teams roles, kickstarter funds and nonprofit status thereafter, and maintaining a bottom-up persona for continued innovation and growth has allowed us to successfully address our aim with the surrounding communities as a contributor to the integrity of the sciences at large.