Caldera Connections: Engaging the Public with the Story of South Tyrol’s Supervolcano

An integrated outreach initiative focusing on the South Tyrolean Supervolcano successfully increased public awareness of one of Earth’s largest and least known volcanic systems, especially among younger audiences. Combining geological research from the “Living with the Supervolcano” and “Caldera” research projects with creative educational strategies, we developed Caldera – Spurensuche im Supervulkan, an interactive exhibition showcasing the dynamic relationship between the ancient volcano and its surrounding ecosystems. This exhibition later evolved into a travelling format, incorporating themes of sustainability to further enhance its educational reach and expanded to include school workshops and interactive programming. A series of short videos exploring the supervolcano, the exhibition process, and fossil research techniques broadened the outreach. Artistic collaborations—such as Forest Futurism and 6_VOCI—offered further ways to explore geological narratives through creative expression. As a lasting outcome a children’s book blended storytelling with nine geologically themed excursions to inspire families to explore the region through a scientific lens. Our initiative demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can transform complex geoscientific topics into accessible, meaningful, and memorable public experiences.