Leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence to Improve Ocean Literacy for Individuals and Communities
About the research project
Ocean literacy is crucial for understanding the vital role that oceans play in sustaining life on our planet. It encompasses knowledge about the ocean's physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as its significance in regulating climate, providing food, and supporting ecosystems. Despite its importance, improving ocean literacy faces several challenges. Limited resources, funding, and infrastructure can hinder the dissemination of ocean-related knowledge. Additionally, the complexity and vastness of the ocean can make it difficult to convey its importance in a relatable manner. Overcoming misconceptions and fostering a deeper appreciation for the ocean's role requires targeted efforts in education and public outreach.
Generative AI is now capable of rapidly producing convincing text, images, video, and audio in a flexible way on virtually any topic. This broad capability could be leveraged to tailor relevant and important technical content to specific audiences on the fly with minimal human supervision. Which could both decrease the barrier for content creators in creating useful content for knowledge sharing and decrease the barrier for target audiences in understanding. The conversational nature of generative AI can even allow for open-ended conversations and follow-up questions.
This project aims to explore how generative AI tools can be leveraged to educate and inspire people on topics related to the oceans. The project will use mixed methodologies to examine AI capabilities related to generating text, images, video, and/or audio to create a range of informative and engaging content about marine life, ecosystems, environmental issues, and conservation initiatives.
The outcomes of the project will be broadly relevant to scientists, educators, policymakers and industry stakeholders who are interested in adopting novel methods for communicating technical and important information to diverse audiences. In particular, this project aligns to the goal of the UN Decade of Ocean Science Sustainable Development to connect people to the ocean.
Applications close 1 February 2025
More information: https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects/projects/marine-and-antarctic/ai-for-ocean-literacy
*Photo credit: Jeff Hester from Ocean Image Bank
Brief project description:
Efforts that aim to tackle public understanding and engagement in science typically assume that providing people with more information (e.g. via blogs, seminars, brochures, etc.) will result in better understanding of and engagement in science (the knowledge deficit model). The evidence, however, does not support this. Rather, recent research shows that science conversations are more likely to lead to the deep and longer-term learning necessary to foster engagement and potentially, action based on science (the dialogic model). Several CMS/IMAS projects have already begun to explore and evidence this approach – including Curious Climate Tasmania. This project will focus on science communication and engagement with people who typically do not engage with science. Specifically, it will assess how science partnerships with community engagement events (i.e. that are not usually or overtly associated with science) can potentially facilitate engagement with those who do not typically engage with science (or not). The target event is Squidfest – an art, science, and food festival. The survey data will be collected in December/January (prior to project commencing). The student will analyse the survey responses to address key project objectives and questions.
Skills students will develop during this research project:
Supervisory Team:
Dr Rachel Kelly: lead investigator, student supervisor
Prof Gretta Pecl: co-investigator, student supervisor
