Science, Art, and Community Participation: The Shark Exhibition, Transforming Science Communication in Colombia

At the Universidad de los Andes, an initiative has emerged that is revolutionizing the way science is shared and understood in society. Traditionally, scientific discoveries are presented in long reports that are often difficult for the general public to understand, but that is changing. The academic community and researchers have realized that, although their long working hours produce valuable results, they rarely achieve the visibility or impact expected. Additionally, we tend to think that scientific topics only interest those who spend entire days in laboratories, isolated and using technical language incomprehensible to most.

Therefore, they are now seeking new ways to communicate their findings, with the goal of broadening their reach and dismantling the idea that knowledge is boring and distant. Their aim is to create dynamic, attractive, and immersive experiences, accessible to people of all ages and with various levels of education.

A clear example of this paradigm shift is the exhibition COLOMBIA: from the Megalodon to the dwarf lantern shark, as it not only challenges myths about these fascinating marine creatures but also creates an innovative space where art, research, and community participation intertwine to tell a story of biodiversity and conservation. This project demonstrates how knowledge can be transformed into an inclusive and collaborative experience, designed to connect with both the academic community and the general public.