Education and Outreach of Antarctic Science by Webinars

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The Brazilian National Committee of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS-Brazil) developed a series of monthly webinars between December 2018 and April 2020 as a strategy to promote Antarctic science outreach across Brazil. All authors were part of the APECS-Brazil executive board during this period and actively contributed to these initiatives. This study evaluates how these webinars helped communicate Antarctic science to diverse audiences in a geographically large and socially unequal country. We analyzed three dimensions: reach (geographic and demographic diversity), accessibility (participation despite structural limitations), and heterogeneity (diversity of scientific themes). Our results show that the webinars reached all Brazilian states and attracted mostly students, teachers, and early-career professionals. Participation was highest in states with existing polar research groups, while limited digital access affected engagement in remote areas. Despite these challenges, webinars proved to be an effective and low-cost tool to disseminate polar science, engage new audiences, and inspire interest in global environmental issues. This case study highlights the importance of digital outreach tools in promoting science communication in the Global South, especially when supported by inclusive practices and institutional networks. The APECS-Brazil experience offers valuable insights for future programs seeking to expand access to polar knowledge through scalable online strategies.

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