Communication strategy and plans for research infrastructures: the EPOS case

Strategic research communication has found an increasing recognition in recent years. Research infrastructures (RIs) are called upon to effectively communicate the scientific research they foster in order to ensure that they attract users and their findings may influence both policy-makers and society at large. Not to mention that many funding bodies are making communication a requirement when it comes to allocating research funds. The current paper reflects on the experience of developing a communication strategy for the European research infrastructure EPOS (European Plate Observing System) and highlights some challenges and best practices to set up and maintain the critical links between people, ideas and information that are vital for the success of every communication plan. The complex nature of the EPOS RI revealed a series of challenges and opportunities that need to be fully embraced if EPOS research findings are to have maximum possible impact and demonstrate their worth for all stakeholders involved. We started with an in-depth analysis of the EPOS mission, vision and value proposition, then moved on to identifying weaknesses and strengths to build on and eventually envisage pathways for improving internal and external communication and further engaging the different EPOS communities and stakeholders.