29 January 2025

ReefRescue: Exploring Coral Conservation Through Interactive Science at NHM Vienna
Vienna's Natural History Museum invites young visitors to dive deep into the science of coral conservation with ReefRescue, an adventurous and thrilling interactive game at the entertainment-education hub Deck 50.

In recent days, Vienna has experienced unseasonably warm and sunny weather, evoking thoughts of spring and upcoming activities like swimming in lakes and the sea. For those eager to explore the underwater world, the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Vienna offers a digital alternative. Deck 50, the museum's dedicated science communication and education space, has introduced a new attraction: the ReefRescue game and events like the Deck 50 Open Lab with challenges like sorting sunscreens by coral friendliness.

The first event showcasing ReefRescue takes place today, featuring a deep dive with scientist and project director Angelina Ivkic. She will demonstrate how the game integrates scientific knowledge into an engaging, interactive format.

Inspiring Future Scientists: ReefRescue and the Power of Interactive Learning

Engaging children and teenagers in scientific topics is crucial for fostering environmental awareness and inspiring future careers in science. Interactive tools like educational games make complex subjects accessible and captivating for young audiences. One such initiative is the ReefRescue project, based on a scientific survey of the Red Sea coral reefs conducted from 2018 to 2023. This research explored biodiversity, resilience, and threats facing coral ecosystems, providing the foundation for the game's scientific accuracy and educational value.

The Natural History Museum Vienna, founded in 1889, is one of Europe's most renowned museums, housing over 30 million objects spanning the natural sciences. The museum not only preserves and studies the natural world but also actively engages the public through innovative educational experiences. A key part of this mission is Deck 50, a dedicated science communication and education space where visitors of all ages can explore scientific topics interactively.

At Deck 50, the ReefRescue game allows participants to explore coral reefs and their challenges as virtual divers under scientific guidance. This entertainment-education hub bridges the gap between science and the public through hands-on exhibits, workshops, and digital experiences. It covers a wide range of scientific topics, including the effects of global warming on ecosystems, biodiversity and evolution, and planetary science. School workshops are tailored for three different age groups, making the space a dynamic learning environment.

ReefRescue is the latest addition to Deck 50, further expanding the museum's efforts to engage visitors in pressing environmental issues.

Exploring Coral Reefs with ReefRescue

Marine biologist and paleontologist Angelina Ivkic, MSc, from the University of Vienna, leads the ReefRescue project. Her research involves diving expeditions to study both living and fossil coral reefs, particularly in the Red Sea. These field studies provide crucial insights into coral ecosystems, their history, and how they can be protected from modern threats.

The ReefRescue game, also accessible online at reefrescue.univie.ac.at, was developed through a collaborative effort involving experts from multiple fields. Artists Maria Kondratieva and Kaeya Scholz designed the game's vibrant visuals, while Ronald Hild led its technical development. Additional scientific expertise was provided by Dr. Martin Zuschin (University of Vienna) and Dr. Andreas Kroh (NHM Vienna).

In ReefRescue, players take on the role of divers tasked with identifying various threats to coral reefs and learning how to mitigate them. They interact with reef inhabitants, follow clues, and collect information - all while managing a limited air supply, emphasizing the urgency of reef conservation. The game can be played on-site at Deck 50, making it an exciting experience for school classes and groups.

Upcoming Events for ReefRescue

>Meet a Scientist: Angelina Ivkic
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Join Angelina Ivkic, MSc, for an exclusive session on her research into living and fossil coral reefs. She will explain how past data helps protect today's reefs and share her journey into marine science. The event will also showcase how the ReefRescue game integrates scientific knowledge into an engaging, interactive format.

>Deck 50 Open Lab
Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 11:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Visitors can explore various aspects of the ReefRescue project through hands-on experiments at Deck 50. Activities include:

• Examining the tiny teeth in a sea urchin's jaw apparatus
• Separating microplastics from sand
• Sorting sunscreens based on coral-friendliness
• Conducting an experiment illustrating ocean acidification

In the creative area, visitors can "restore" a bleached coral reef with vibrant colors, symbolizing ecosystem recovery.

>WienXtra Holiday Game: Underwater Forests
February 5 - February 9, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This program, designed for children aged 6 to 12, takes participants through marine environments like coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and kelp forests. Kids can design their own marine creatures and discover the importance of ocean conservation through interactive storytelling.

Through ReefRescue and Deck 50, NHM Vienna continues to make science accessible, engaging, and relevant for young audiences - encouraging the next generation to take an active role in protecting our planet.

Image: The picture shows scientist Angelina Ivkic, who manages the 'ReefRescue' project. Photo: © NHM Vienna, Chloé Potter.