The Mind Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) at the University of Granada (UGR) participated for the first time in the Congress on Social Communication of Science (CCSC), organized by the Spanish Association of Scientific Communication (AEC2). The tenth edition of this congress was held from October 28 to October 30 in Palma de Mallorca and brought together over 300 professionals in outreach journalism and scientific communication from various research centers, museums, universities and national and international media outlets.
Under the theme "Creative Communication of Science," the meeting served as a forum to discuss society's trust in science, the use of art in outreach strategies and the impact of scientific culture activities.
During the congress's parallel sessions, the Scientific Outreach and Transfer Officer of the CIMCYC (María Fernanda Ramírez Ramos) presented two communications highlighting the center's initiatives to make the complexity of psychology and neuroscience accessible to the public.
"Mind, Brain and Behavior: How to Communicate Human Complexity" focused on sharing the experience in developing and implementing the CIMCYC's communication and outreach strategy. It addressed the approaches and projects the center has pursued to transfer research findings to a non-specialized audience and to strengthen its communication channels with society.
Separately, an outreach project that is already a landmark in Granada was presented: "PsychoBeers, a Toast to Science and Ideas!" This initiative, which has held 20 events, was showcased as a success story for its ability to create a relaxed, accessible environment for sharing the importance of research and fostering dialogue with citizens.
Creativity, trust and connection: 3 Keys to the social communication of science
The thematic tracks of the CCSC2025 included trust in science, risk communication, advertising with a critical focus, and the relationship between technology fiction, entertainment, and art and scientific dissemination. Creativity, the central focus of the congress, was highlighted as a key element for strengthening the connection between science and citizenship.
The 10th CCSC featured internationally and nationally prominent experts such as Naomi Oreskes (Historian of Science at Harvard University), Mike S. Schäfer (Professor of Science Communication at the University of Zurich), Fernando Simón (Director of the Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies at the Ministry of Health), Cintia Refojo (Head of the Scientific Communication Unit - FECYT), Celia Díaz Catalán (Director of the Survey of Social Perception of Science - FECYT) and Pampa García Molina (Director of the Science Media Centre Spain).
The CIMCYC's participation in this congress reinforces the center's commitment to making scientific outreach more inclusive, relevant and beneficial to society.