The UK Geoenergy Observatories project has commissioned Glasgow Science Centre to deliver its public engagement programme.
The programme will make geothermal and mine water energy easier to understand; explain the role of the underground observatory in Glasgow and put it in context of the UK's net zero ambitions. It will create resources for schools, researchers and the wider public.
Glasgow Science Centre will enlist school pupils to help develop the classroom resources, which will be available to use from August 2021.
The centre's science communicators will also design an exhibition that will be used across the UK at relevant festivals and events, and create resources for researchers to help them deliver their own outreach.
Dr Rachel Dearden, project manager, UK Geoenergy Observatories said:
This entire project has been shaped by our different audiences: the scientists who'll be using the data from the observatories and our neighbours and the wider public, who helped shape the design of the sites.
The observatories are underground, so it's difficult to show people how exciting they are. This programme will help children, young people and adults understand how our future energy systems will be built, and spark their interest in the subsurface.
Glasgow Science Centre has strong credentials in explaining complex concepts, engaging hard-to-reach audiences and designing interactive and relevant exhibitions and classroom resources. We are thrilled to be working with them.
A critical element is the inclusion of resources for PhD and early career researchers: we want to make it easy for them to explain the impact of their research.
Robin Hoyle, director of science at Glasgow Science Centre said:
We'll be working in partnership with the British Geological Survey to deliver the programme.
The world is changing and we need to manage our planet's resources better - the Idea No 59 exhibition at Glasgow Science Centre actually addresses some of the challenges we face and the innovation we'll need to secure our energy future.
The observatory in Glasgow is an excellent example of innovation and how scientists and researchers are trying to secure a sustainable energy future for the planet.
People need to understand what policymakers are proposing, what's involved and what it means for them. Programmes like this are so important: we need to bring people along with the science and technology.
The Glasgow Observatory has been funded by the UK Government Plan for Growth Science & Innovation and commissioned by UKRI-NERC and is being run by the British Geological Survey.
