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TREC

Traversing European Coastlines

An expedition to study coastal ecosystems and their response to the environment, from molecules to communities

Public Engagement

Sharing the science behind the expedition was a key aim of TREC. A widespread public engagement offer was developed and delivered together with local partners in 17 countries along the route.

Engaging citizens with human & planetary health, fostering active science participation, and empowering educators and young learners, TREC outreach activities reached more than 10,000 people in 2023/24.

Members of the public in city squares, libraries, cafes, museums, pubs and schools all over Europe engaged with scientists on vital issues of planetary biology, through games, guided conversations and workshops.

More than 250 local volunteers were recruited to highlight the connectivity and interaction between humans, land and sea. This was all possible thanks to the local support and expedition partners, resulting in a collaborative achievement which showcased the powerful role of molecular biology in tackling societal challenges.

Contact:

image of Sally Hall

Sally Hall

Science Education and Public Engagement

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Activities

Discover the different types of activities developed as part of the TREC public engagement programme:

Nexus Island


Discover how everything on our planet is connected, through this game-based workshop, for the public and schools.

TREC in the City


A travelling exhibition that engages the public through activities on microscopy.

Science on Tour


Interactive science talks for and with the public in a local bar or café.

Run Scientist Run!


A giant-sized dice game showing the highs & lows of doing science – in the field.

Guided Tours


Come and take a look at our lab on wheels!

Online Resources


Would you like to do our activities with your friends – or students? Get what you need with our downloadable materials!

Partner Activities


EMBL will collaborate closely with many partners to organise even more activities along the TREC route.

Educational Activities


More educational activities and material for educators and young learners.

Nexus Island

Come and play with us! Explore and discover the fascinating organisms of Nexus Island, through augmented reality. Sample the coast, collect and identify organisms, and find collaborative solutions for a changing environment during this hands-on, game-based workshop, together with scientists from local partner institutions. The workshop will be presented in the local language or English! Click here to find out when this unique activity is in your city, and book now to secure your spot.

TREC in the City

Always wanted to play around with a microscope? Check out our pop-up stand! It’s free, you get to see invisible-to-the-naked-eye things, and you might even get lucky and go home with a small prize. Bring your buddies – or your kids – and experience something unique. Where can you find us? Check our events page, as we like to keep things interesting, and follow the crowd.

Science on Tour

Join us for a fun, informal, and accessible evening during which scientists from across Europe come together to discuss with you! The key topic will be TREC, a one-of-a-kind research expedition that focuses on the connection between land and sea at European coastlines. Scientific expeditions are key to gathering new knowledge about our planet. TREC pioneers the use of mobile laboratories to understand how ecosystems are impacted by different environmental factors, such as pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Questions are highly encouraged! Please note that English will usually be the main language of this adult-oriented event. Click here to find out when and where you can join us!

Run Scientist Run!

Be the first one to get the samples! Like a scientist in the field, do your best to collect samples and bring them back to the laboratory. But be careful: anything can happen and your race might be sped up – or slowed down! An entertaining game for all ages.

Guided Tours

Is it a truck – or a lab? It’s both! For a very limited time, we offer the opportunity to visit our mobile lab, a matchless technological wonder that is supporting the scientific expedition TREC. You will have the chance to see state-of-the-art equipment and directly use some of the lab’s tools – on the truck! No worries, the truck will be parked. Questions are highly encouraged! Click here to find out when you can visit our mobile laboratories, and book now to secure your spot.

Online Resources

Please find here a selection of the materials needed to do some of our activities. You will find:

  • the manual to facilitate our workshop Nexus Island (together with cards and map – if your language is not already available for download, please contact us);
  • the table version of Run Scientist Run!;
  • a collection of three simple activities for kids.


Workshop manual Nexus Island: EN | FR

Algae Bloom image: Download

Map of the Island: Download

Nexus Island cards: BG | DE | EL | EN | ES | FR | IT | NL | PL | PT

ESA cards: EN | CA | ES | EL | IT

Run Scientist Run! EN | ES | EL | IT

Activities for kids: Download

Partner Activities

As TREC is a collaborative, pan-European initiative, we will coordinate our public engagement efforts with many local partners to ensure we broaden our reach and strengthen our partnerships. One of TREC’s core partners, Fondation Tara Océan, will be joining us for a number of stops where you can visit the Tara schooner and engage in a wide range of activities. Take a look at our events page here to find out more!

Educational Activities

The TREC education programme covers workshops for young learners along the TREC route, virtual and in-person professional development training for teachers, and brand new teaching and learning material. For more information visit the Science Education page.

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