CivicSciTV International
Aquatic ecologist & Scicomm In Practice Fellow, Fridolin Ubald Dossou-Sognon, shares his experience
In this episode of CivicSciTV Africa, we sit down with Fridolin Ubald Dossou-Sognon, an aquatic ecologist and SciComm in Practice Fellow, to explore his journey in science communication and his vision for ocean literacy in Benin. Fridolin, whose research focuses on marine biodiversity and biological invasions, shares how he transitioned from primarily engaging with academic audiences to recognizing the value of public engagement.
Before joining the fellowship, Fridolin’s communication efforts were mostly confined to interactions with students and occasional exchanges with fishers at the harbor, where he would explain his research. However, he sought to expand his impact: “I intend to amplify awareness about marine biodiversity. I want to promote ocean literacy across different stakeholders, young policymakers, and local communities.” This drive led him to the SciComm in Practice Fellowship, which he describes as “a unique opportunity”—one that had been absent in his research environment.
Despite facing language barriers as a non-native English speaker, Fridolin found the fellowship enriching. He notes that Benin’s linguistic diversity—where French is the official language, but Fon is widely spoken—presents both challenges and opportunities for science communication. This insight has inspired him to pursue multilingual engagement strategies, particularly through comics and podcasts.
One of the highlights of his fellowship experience was a session with Anthony Onyango, an underwater photographer and conservation storyteller, whose work resonated deeply with Fridolin’s passion for marine conservation. He also discovered transmedia storytelling and its potential to make scientific concepts more accessible.
Looking ahead, Fridolin envisions two major initiatives: developing comics tailored for French-speaking audiences and launching a podcast in local languages. “I really want to do some podcasts in our local languages, by including local communities. It will be a podcast with, by, and for local communities.” These efforts aim to bridge linguistic gaps and make marine conservation knowledge more accessible to those who need it most.
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Stephanie Okeyo is a Microbiologist and Science Communicator. She is the founder of Under the Microscope. Some of her previous professional roles include Ambassador of Women in Science, East Africa and Representative to the United Nations office, Geneva at the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT). In 2019, she was listed as one of Under 30: Breaking Barriers Women in STEM and is a 2021 Zuri STEM category nominee. Stephanie is passionate about empowering young girls and being a voice for gender equality in Science and Technology.
- Stephanie Okeyohttps://civicsciencemedia.org/author/stephanie-okeyo/
- Stephanie Okeyohttps://civicsciencemedia.org/author/stephanie-okeyo/
- Stephanie Okeyohttps://civicsciencemedia.org/author/stephanie-okeyo/
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