In 2023, Laura Niccolai, Erik Versluijs and colleagues of the CarniForeGraze research project published a scientific article in Frontiers in Animal Science. They described how to classify data from motion sensors embedded in a neck collar for cows into different behaviours. To increase their outreach, Laura Niccolai, together with Saskia Wulff doing the drawings, published a comic of this article in six different languages. Finally, Laura has popularized this study even more by publishing an article for kids in Frontiers of Young Minds.
- In an effort to expand the reach of our scientific discoveries in CarniForeGraze and engage with a younger audience, we have collaborated with Frontiers for Young Minds (https://kids.frontiersin.org/), a scientific journal with a unique mission: to connect curious young minds with experts and information, encouraging them to ask informed and critical questions about real science throughout their lives, says Laura.
The journal uses a distinctive process where scientists are invited to write about their discoveries in a language accessible to young readers. Subsequently, the articles undergo a collaborative review process involving kids aged 8-15, working with science mentors. This ensures that the content is not only of high quality but also exciting and tailored to the understanding of our young peers.
The unique approach taken by the journal has garnered recognition, and even before the publication of its first 50 articles, it was acknowledged as one of the American Library Association's 2014 Great Websites for Kids.
- I encourage each of you to explore opportunities to contribute to this initiative by making our scientific papers more accessible to the new generation of scientists, adds Laura.
- By sharing our knowledge and discoveries in a way that captivates and inspires younger audiences, we can play a significant role in shaping the future of scientific curiosity and engagement.
Link to the article here.