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From now on, we will begin sharing some of our lichenological field trips on our YouTube channel. These videos will offer viewers an inside look at sampling procedures, species identification, natural habitats, and the challenges of field research. Our goal is to share scientific and field experiences, raise public awareness about lichens, and provide an educational resource for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts interested in lichenology.
We aim to produce documentary-style videos that highlight the beauty, diversity, and scientific importance of lichens. Through these visual stories, we hope to contribute to raising public awareness and promoting a better understanding of lichenological research and progress within the broader scientific and environmental community.
In recent decades, social media has become a powerful tool for expanding knowledge, facilitating scientific communication, and promoting public engagement in the biological sciences. In lichenology, these platforms have transformed the way information is shared, collaborations are formed, and public awareness is raised. Websites and platforms such as Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, iNaturalist, YouTube, ResearchGate, and Academia.edu now play a vital role in presenting research, sharing field data, and connecting professional lichenologists with students, naturalists, and enthusiasts.
In terms of scientific outreach and education, social media provides an exceptional opportunity to simplify complex concepts and communicate scientific ideas to diverse audiences—from students and educators to environmental professionals. The use of visual content, including close-up photographs, microscopy images, and short field videos, has made lichens—organisms once overlooked—more visible and engaging to the general public.
For networking and scientific collaboration, platforms such as Twitter and ResearchGate allow researchers and early-career lichenologists to connect internationally, share preliminary findings, coordinate projects, and exchange knowledge on taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, and biogeography. These transnational interactions not only enhance scientific productivity but also lead to joint publications and long-term partnerships across institutions.
The role of social media in public engagement and citizen science is also significant. Platforms like iNaturalist enable users to upload photographs, record locations, and assist in species identification. Professional lichenologists review and verify these records, while amateurs contribute valuable data that feed into global biodiversity databases. This dynamic exchange bridges the gap between scientists and the public, creating a more inclusive scientific community.
Moreover, social media serves as a powerful tool for scientific communication and event promotion. Conferences, webinars, workshops, grant calls, and newly published studies are rapidly disseminated, increasing visibility and participation in lichenological activities worldwide.
Overall, social media has evolved beyond a simple communication tool to become an integral component of the modern lichenological ecosystem. It strengthens the connection between science and society, promotes open access to knowledge, and plays a vital role in advancing the growth and vitality of lichenology both in Iran and globally.
Where Are Lichenologists Most Active?
Where Are Lichenologists Most Active?
Lichenologists are increasingly active across multiple digital platforms, each serving a unique role in communication, research, and community engagement. The level and nature of activity vary depending on the platform’s audience and tools for scientific interaction.
On Twitter (X), lichenologists frequently share research updates, post live reports from conferences and fieldwork, and engage in rapid scientific discussions. Instagram is widely used for visual storytelling—showcasing field photography, microscopy images, and public outreach campaigns that highlight the beauty and diversity of lichens. Facebook provides space for longer discussions, identification assistance, and networking among both professionals and amateurs.
The most scientifically active platform is iNaturalist, where lichenologists contribute verified species data, review observations from citizen scientists, and use the growing dataset for ecological and taxonomic studies. YouTube supports educational outreach through lectures, field tutorials, and microscopy demonstrations, though engagement tends to be less interactive. ResearchGate functions as a professional academic network, facilitating the exchange of publications, research questions, and collaboration opportunities among scholars.
Together, these platforms form a dynamic digital ecosystem that enhances collaboration, education, and public awareness of lichenology worldwide.
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