Environmental Research 2.0

Innovative Technologies and Methods in Environmental Research: Science for Tomorrow

The project actively engages students from six schools around Lunz am See with environmental research and innovative digital technologies. The focus lies on local forest and freshwater ecosystems, which are explored through excursions, experiments, and research tasks. Using virtual reality experiences, citizen science apps, and AI-based tools, participants gain hands-on insight into how environmental research works – from data collection to presenting results. The activities are developed and implemented by WasserCluster Lunz, the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area Management, and the IT company Deckweiss. The goal is to spark curiosity, promote scientific thinking, strengthen methodological skills, and foster a deep awareness of ecological interconnections and sustainability.

The project is supported by a dedicated consortium consisting of the research institute WasserCluster Lunz, the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area Management, the IT company Deckweiss, and regional educational institutions. We look forward to two years full of curiosity, creative ideas, and shared “aha” moments with young people experiencing science!

Project Timeline

The “Environmental Research 2.0” project accompanies participating school classes over two school years, offering continuous insight into environmental research, scientific working methods, and modern research technologies. The activities build on one another, combining theoretical knowledge with plenty of hands-on experience.

First School Year – Understanding Research 🔍 · 💡 · 🔬 · 🧠

In the first school year, students learn the basics of environmental research. They explore forest and aquatic ecosystems, engage with scientific working methods, and discover how research contributes to protecting our environment.

The activities include:

A guided tour of the Haus der Wildnis (House of Wilderness)
Workshop “Scientific Research: Discover, Understand, and Apply”
Workshop “Environmental Research in Focus: Forests and Waterways”

Second School Year – Experiencing Technologies for Research 💻 · 🛰️ · 🤖 · 📡 · 🥽

In the second school year, the focus shifts to modern research technologies. Through excursions and workshops, students get to know and actively use a wide range of technologies.

The activities include:

Excursion to the wilderness area or to Lake Lunz
Workshop “Innovative Technologies for Environmental Research”
Workshop “Communicating Science with Modern Technologies – Making Results Visible”

Cooperation Grants for Schools

Do you have your own project idea? As part of “Environmental Research 2.0,” schools can receive financial support for self-developed projects.

The cooperation grants fund creative classroom and school projects focused on environmental research, nature, sustainability, or innovative technologies. Projects can be tailored to the respective school level and curriculum, offering schools the opportunity to bring their own ideas to life.

Funding amounts to €1,000 per school project.

All important information — from funding eligibility and how to apply, to templates for the project application and final report — can be found here: https://www.ffg.at/talente-regional/kooperationszuschuss#downloads

We are happy to advise interested schools in developing their project idea and to support them through the application process.