DTU Aqua

Image credit: DTU Aqua

I am quite fortunate to spend my Fulbright experience at DTU Aqua. Our focus for this project is to demonstrate how research and education/outreach are mutually dependent to foster public acceptance of ocean science research, resources and policies. We also intend to create mutually beneficial partnerships between DTU Aqua and local formal and informal education venues.

DTU Aqua

My host institution is the National Institute for Aquatic Resources - DTU Aqua - part of the Technical University of Denmark. DTU Aqua’s mission is to conduct research, provide advice, educate at university level and contribute to innovation in sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic resources. Investigations include the biology and population ecology of aquatic organisms, aquatic physics and chemical processes, and ecosystem structure and dynamics while taking account all the relevant natural and anthropogenic drivers. DTU Aqua began in 1889 as the Danish Biological Station and has grown to include facilities in Lyksvad, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals.

DTU Aqua is located in Charlottenlund, just outside of Copenhagen. Offices have been housed within Charlottenlund castle (Charlottenlund Slot), a former Danish royal summer residence, since 1936.

Charlottenlund is located just north of Copenhagen.

Charlottenlund castle, home of DTU Aqua.
Photo credit: Diana Payne

DTU Aqua coordinates the EURO-BASIN project, helped draft the Galway Statement between the EU, US and Canada, and hosts the Centre for Ocean Life. 

Seminars at DTU

I will lead three seminars at DTU Aqua during my Fulbright experience. I will provide an overview of the Fulbright Specialist Program, outline the three seminars I will present for DTU graduate students, and discuss my work with NOAA Sea Grant, specifically my duties for Connecticut Sea Grant education in connecting ocean science researchers and educators. I will also highlight my experience as an evaluator for the NSF-funded COSEE-TEK and my involvement with Ocean Literacy campaign in the US, Europe and beyond.

The seminars focus on graduate students and post docs at the Centre for Ocean Life. Topics within the seminars include Ocean Science Research in a Societal Context, Non-experts' Perception of the Ocean, Sharing Ocean Science Research with Non-experts, Evaluating Your Education and Outreach Efforts and How Education and Public Outreach Can Benefit Your Career.

DTU Aqua Shellfish Center

During my stay, I will also visit the DTU Aqua Shellfish Center in North Jutland. I will meet with Education Center staff working on the SeaCHANGE project. 

DTU Aqua Shellfish Center is located in Nykøbing Mors on the LimFjord.
Image credit: GraphicMaps.com

SeaCHANGE

DTU Aqua is a partner in the EU-funded SeaCHANGE project, which "aims to bring about a fundamental 'Sea Change' in the way European citizens view their relationship with the sea by empowering them - as 'Ocean Literate' citizens - to take direct and sustainable towards healthy seas and ocean, healthy communities and ultimately - a healthy planet." I look forward to working with my SeaCHANGE colleagues!