Science Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: Archaeology and Archaeological Heritage in Atapuerca, Spain

The COVID-19 pandemic seriously affected spaces of cultural heritage that play a significant role in the extension of scientific culture. This document addresses its effect on public communication of the archaeological site of Atapuerca (Spain), World Heritage (UNESCO). It contributes to the scarce production of information from primary sources on public communication of science in archaeology and archaeological heritage. A qualitative investigation with 116 interviews was carried out with three groups of agents: responsible Atapuerca scientists, Atapuerca communication institutions, and local, regional, national and international scientific journalists. The results indicate that Atapuerca managed to minimise the impact of confinement and maintain its visibility through strategies mediated by technology and the connection of the narrative of human evolution to the pandemic. It shows the interconnections between science and society and reflects how the production of knowledge in contemporary science is multidimensional and operates at various levels and with different social agents.

Automated summary

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public communication of the Atapuerca archaeological site in Spain. Through 116 interviews, it was found that Atapuerca managed to minimize the impact of lockdown by utilizing technology and connecting the narrative of human evolution to the pandemic.