Planet RISE

Planet RISE co-creates research-inspired interactive activities through collaboration between National Space Centre (NSC) education specialists and the International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP³). As an operating partner in IODP³, the University of Leicester hosts a core replica set for the UK community. Core replicas recording the meteorite impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs are being used by the NSC in their 2026 summer programmes. Meteorites provide a tangible connection between planet Earth and our wider solar system. University researchers involved in scientific ocean drilling operations and associated research bring to life key scientific concepts, and support science engagement activities by providing up-to-date information and facilitating access to publicly-available resources that may not be well known outside the scientific community. Together with the NSC, we are exploring how this collaboration enhances the creation of exciting outreach activities. 
 
Project Lead at Leicester: Sarah Davies

Project partners: Erwan Le Ber and Johanna Lofi (both University of Montpellier).