Challenges in Making Paleoanthropological Knowledge Relevant to Ethiopians

Despite the plethora of paleoanthropological sites worthy of UNESCO inscription, there are major challenges in making the knowledge and benefits of these sites accessible and relevant to researchers and the public. Paleoanthropological research is faced with difficulties in reaching wider audiences in Ethiopia. Major issues to overcome are a lack of public awareness or interest in paleoanthropology, minimal collaboration between government and researchers, inadequate recognition of research efforts, and insufficient promotion of scientific discoveries. As a result, local communities have yet to benefit from the results of palaeoanthropological finds. Open science, with a particular emphasis on science communication and social media, is argued to be necessary in order to begin addressing these problems. Scientific communication, particularly social media, can be a powerful tool as it provides a platform for global conversation and engagement among academicians, as well as between researchers and the public. These tools can be mobilized by a variety of stakeholders including researchers, institutions, universities, schools, and the media. Scientific knowledge can be disseminated through podcasts, radio, storytelling, performing arts, and publications, while social media provides easy access to active dialogue and debates between scientific researchers and society. As a result, the Ethiopian public at large will benefit from increased educational resources, stewardship, and sustainable tourism. Adults, in addition to children and students who are the future of the country, will gain access to knowledge and become inspired by paleoscience research.