From Network to Ecosystem: Reflecting on Early Career–Led Science Communication through APECS

Science communication is often framed as a unidirectional transfer of knowledge from scientists to society. For early career researchers (ECRs), however, it also plays a crucial role in building community, fostering belonging, and co-creating knowledge across disciplines, cultures, and career stages. The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) offers a case study on how science communication can function as a long-term, community-driven ecosystem rather than a series of one-off outreach activities.

APECS is a global, ECR-led organization supporting early career researchers working in polar and cryosphere science, founded in 2007 following the momentum and international collaboration fostered by the Fourth International Polar Year (IPY-4). Although not always labelled explicitly as “science communication”, many of APECS’ core activities involve communicating science and co-creation of scientific knowledge within ECR communities and beyond. The activities include engagement with policymakers, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, local communities, educators, and the wider public. Through programmes, workshops, leadership development, and community-led initiatives, APECS supports ECRs in developing skills in outreach, public engagement, inclusive communication, and collaborative knowledge production, contributing to long-term capacity building within polar and cryosphere research communities.

This contribution reflects on APECS’ science communication practices through three key questions. First, how can science communication spark joy and foster emotional connection? APECS emphasizes storytelling, peer mentoring, and shared experiences, from informal networking spaces to collaborative events, that humanize polar science by helping ECRs connect emotionally with their research and with peers. These approaches are particularly important in polar research, where geographic isolation, logistical barriers, and short-term contracts can limit a sense of community.

Second, how can co-creation be meaningfully embedded within scientific communities? APECS operates through bottom-up leadership, with initiatives proposed, led, and shaped by ECRs themselves. This structure enables co-creation across disciplines, cultures, and regions, and fosters dialogue between natural scientists, social scientists, and knowledge holders from diverse backgrounds.

Finally, how can the impacts of science communication be assessed over time? Rather than focusing solely on short-term metrics, APECS reflects on longer-term indicators such as sustained engagement, leadership development, capacity building, career trajectories, and continued participation in interdisciplinary and societal dialogues, dimensions that are often overlooked in traditional evaluations of science communication.

By reflecting on both successes and challenges, this contribution highlights lessons learned from long-term ECR engagement and offers insights for designing inclusive, community-based science communication initiatives that strengthen both scientific practice and its relationship with society.