Beyond the data: Storytelling and Transparency in geoscience communication

Do you 'listen' to rocks and landscapes tell you their stories? Go beyond the data and explore storytelling and transparency to build trust and accessibility. Communicating geoscience effectively requires more than presenting datasets and technical reports—it deserves narratives that resonate with transparency that builds trust. In an era of global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and natural hazard resilience, geoscience plays a critical role in informed decision-making. Yet, the complexity of scientific information often creates barriers to public understanding and engagement. This presentation explores how storytelling and transparent communication can transform geoscience from abstract data into compelling narratives that connect with communities. Drawing on Geoscience Australia’s priority projects, we will examine innovative outreach approaches that extend beyond traditional publications—leveraging public events, and education initiatives to make science accessible and relevant. By aligning messages with cultural and educational contexts, we can strengthen visibility, foster trust, and demonstrate the societal value of geoscience. Geoscience communication can highlight a connection to country and can demonstrate the importance of emotion, relevance, and storytelling in engaging diverse audiences. Outreach should be embedded in how we conduct geoscience—from planning and discovery to delivery. The job is not completed until the science is shared. Effective communication evokes curiosity and passion, helping people understand why Earth science is a matter of concern for them, their families, and their future. We will share practical frameworks for building stories to improve accessibility and trust, as well as showcasing impact. These strategies emphasize openness in processes and decision-making, while using stories to illustrate how geoscience underpins resilience and sustainability. The discussion will highlight actionable steps for bridging the gap between technical expertise and public understanding—ensuring Earth science is not only understood but embraced as a cornerstone of community well-being.