There is increasing demand to significantly improve the socio-economic meaning of scientific research and to bridge the gap between science and the general public. In order to stimulate this process, the socio-economic relevance and the benefits to society of science has become an important selection criterion for the funding of research projects.

Recently, in several scientific disciplines some interesting developments have taken place to bridge the existing gaps. Phenology, which is the study of the times of recurring natural phenomena like start of flowering and bird migration especially in relation to climate change, is one of these disciplines. Several phenological monitoring networks have been able to closely involve the general public in their monitoring activities and to communicate the results. Often the regional and national media played an important role in this communication. Several international activities are taking place to further develop this integration. One of them is the European Phenology Network (EPN), which is an EC-funded project. EPN aims to increase the efficiency, added value and use of phenological monitoring and research in Europe to improve the assessment of climate change impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, forestry, and human health. EPN brings together representatives from different scientific disciplines, the general public, educational organisations, policy makers, the media, and commercial organisations including those involved in new information technologies.

In this paper we demonstrate the strength of phenology as an integrator between science, public, policy, media and technology. We pay attention to the needs for integration, the level of integration that is currently being achieved, and the potential for future integration given new technologies.