Concept, goals and progress of the BROMACKER project 2020-2025 – A synergy of science & knowledge transfer

The BMBF-funded BROMACKER project (2020-2025) uniquely combines multidisciplinary research on the early Permian Fossillagerstätte Bromacker in the Thuringian Tambach Basin and UNESCO Geopark with innovative, experimental and multimedia science communication formats, involving the general public with novel and interactive formats. The site provides an exceptional window into the evolution of early terrestrial vertebrates and their ecosystems, preserving extraordinary fossils of tracks, traces, burrows and body fossils primarily of vertebrates in Lagerstätten-quality. Spectacular vertebrate fossils display distinct autecological specializations such as herbivory, bipedality and fossoriality. Another unique selling point is the earliest evidence of the modern trophic pyramid in terrestrial vertebrate ecosystems. The 2020-2025 project further revealed the earliest body impressions and evidence of epidermal scales and aggregation behavior in synapsids as well as the earliest occurrence of complex vertebrate burrows. The natural science research is accompanied by diverse and cutting-edge science communication formats, including special exhibitions, social media, podcasts, 360° projections, interactive websites, school projects, as well as in-person and live virtual public tours and events at the excavation site, in the partner institutions and external venues. This multidisciplinary and interactive approach of communicating scientific processes and results to the general public successfully increases the understanding and acceptance of geoscientific research in general. Visitor numbers at the excavations and in the entire region also increased, reflecting the importance of Bromacker research and outreach for tourism and networking with enormous potential for the future.