Engaging the public with deep-marine ecosystems: An outreach portfolio for the ATLAS Project by Dynamic Earth

Poster used to explain the public engagement activity plans for the ATLAS project as developed by ATLAS partner, Dynamic Earth. 

Abstract: ATLAS is a trans-Atlantic research project funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 Blue Growth call. It aims to
increase our understanding of deep Atlantic marine ecosystems and their connections with other areas. ATLAS
will also improve our ability to predict how changing environmental conditions might affect them. The information
gathered will allow ATLAS to inform scientists, governments and businesses on the best ways to protect
these ecosystems from issues such as climate change, pollution and certain fishing techniques. This knowledge
will support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors. Engaging the public with the outcomes of
ATLAS is a key part of the project.
Dynamic Earth, an Earth and Environmental Science educational charity based in Edinburgh, is tasked with creating
an Outreach Portfolio for ATLAS. Here we describe various engagement tools and activities in development
for this portfolio. These include new materials and innovative ideas for running family drop-in events and learning
resources for Primary and Secondary school pupils, as well as concepts for an update to Dynamic Earth’s
Oceans gallery. The Portfolio will form the basis for Dynamic Earth’s 2019 public engagement programme in
Edinburgh and at regional science festivals across Scotland, typically reaching audiences of around 10,000 families
and schoolchildren at the festivals while over 60,000 visitors to the centre will participate in ATLAS-related
activities. It will also provide inspiration and resources for ATLAS partners and other centres wishing to run
similar activities, utilising established Ocean Literacy networks such as Sea Change and ResponSEAble to ensure
the widest possible dissemination.