Bromacker 2020-2025 – Combining scientific excavations with science communication

The BMBF-funded project „Opening Science – New ways of science transfer using the example of the research project “Bromacker”” involved annual scientific excavations at the Lower Permian palaeontological Lagerstätte Bromacker near Tambach-Dietharz in the Thuringian Forest. Six excavation seasons were conducted between 2020 and 2025 resulting in more than 1.500 documented finds comprising sedimentary structures, plant remains and multiple invertebrate and vertebrate trace and body fossils. Among them were new finds of partial skeletons including diadectid, synapsid, and not yet identified small vertebrate specimens.

The documentation methods were enhanced due to combining field notes, photography, tachymeter measurements and drone flights. Novel excavation techniques for the Bromacker site were tested to better preserve and collect large brittle finds, such as vertebrate burrow structures.

The main goal of the BROMACKER project is to open science and processes to the public and make current and modern research visible to a broad audience. During the summer excavations at the Bromacker Lagerstätte, the research process was made accessible to the public through guided tours, on-site information areas, and active engagement by the excavation team. Media representatives were invited, and formats like family programs and social media outreach helped turn a hidden scientific undertaking into a shared experience, attracting over 2,300 visitors during 4 weeks in 2024 alone.