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• Date of publication Feb 11, 2026 Category: Article

  Back for the future: public engagement with climate science through a multimodal STEM escape room

  by Amanda Jane Mathieson , Edward Duca , Joseph Roche

  Research has explored escape rooms for their education potential but there is a notable lack of literature in the public engagement context. This paper illustrates findings from three editions of Back for the Future, a climate-themed STEM escape room delivered both online and in person, with and without COVID-19 restrictions. We demonstrate that escape rooms can engage those who normally do not seek out science in an enjoyable experience that may foster future engagement. Players become immersed in the game environment, losing track of time and can succeed in the activity regardless of their science background. We also propose that self-determination theory, science capital and flow are beneficial concepts for designing games that enhance engagement for a variety of audience groups. Finally, we hope to provide useful and generalisable recommendations for delivering impactful STEM escape rooms in unexpected places (and perhaps with unexpected limitations).

  Volume 25 • Issue 2 • 2026 • Science communication in Unexpected Places (Unexpected places)

• Date of publication Feb 11, 2026 Category: Article

  Improvised theatre for public engagement with the climate crisis in rural Irish communities

  by Claire A. Murray Dr , Gesche Kindermann Dr , Paola Serrano Bravo , Katy Schutte , Fergus McAuliffe , Amanda Jane Mathieson , Ruth Graham , Jessamyn A. Fairfield

  Engaging the public with the climate crisis has proven challenging due to both the technical complexity of the issue and the strong emotions evoked. “Doom and gloom” approaches run the risk of provoking backlash, despair or overwhelm, none of which support constructive action. Here we used unscripted theatre to make room for both scientific content and affective responses, towards enhancing agency in rural communities at the greatest risk of negative impacts from climate change, who are often excluded from scientific, engagement, and policy discussions. We developed a travelling improvised theatre show called ‘We Built This City on Rock and Coal’ that toured diverse Irish coastal and island communities. Mixed methods evaluation showed that self-efficacy of improvisers, scientists, and audience members on the topic of climate change increased after taking part, demonstrating the viability of improvised theatre as a science communication strategy and methodology for co-created engagement with societal challenges. 

  Volume 25 • Issue 2 • 2026 • Science communication in Unexpected Places (Unexpected places)