eLTER PLUS Deliverable D6.1 - Project communication and dissemination strategy

Communication forms an integral part in the development of the eLTER RI, it is a tool for branding and credibility, targeted to user engagement at the highest possible level. Towards this aim, communication takes a central role within eLTER PLUS Advanced community project as a means of ensuring dissemination and uptake of results at  very stage during the project lifetime and beyond. The project’s Communication plan has been developed to define objectives, target groups and key messages that will guide activities during the project and secure their uptake and further development beyond the project lifetime. The main communication and dissemination tools (website, press releases, newsletters, posters, brochures, social media, videos, meetings, workshops, summer schools, trainings, scientific publications etc.) and social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook) are listed in this document, and the relationship between tools and the different target groups is explained, alongside suggested indicators for actively monitoring their effectiveness. The strategy guides the communication and dissemination efforts to target various audiences and convey clear, understandable, coordinated and effective messages, thus raising awareness and maximising the benefits resulting from eLTER PLUS. A detailed Implementation plan at the end of this document outlines the main activities and frequency of recurring dissemination and communication efforts for each year of the project duration. Main deliverables and project results are identified with their potential target audiences and clear plans for their successful dissemination and communication to their potential users and where applicable society at large. Major events and external initiatives and projects’ websites where eLTER PLUS results can be further disseminated are  defined. Frequency of recurring dissemination efforts such as newsletters, news items, social media engagement are set, together with baseline KPIs designed for an  ongoing monitoring of their success. This document is based and builds on the preliminary Project communication plan (Milestone 14, submitted to Coordination in Month 3). Additionally, the target audience definition is informed by the ongoing stakeholder mapping activities conducted in the eLTER PPP project (final version of the stakeholder mapping due in Month 12 as part of D7.1 Stakeholder landscape analysis report).