Terra Cognita
Connecting people with and through science
At Terra Cognita, we believe that science and ideas belong to everyone, yet they don't always reach or include the people who could use them to make a difference. We're here to change that by bringing science and research directly to the communities that need them most, one topic and one place at a time.
We don’t just share science; we transform it. Using insights from cognitive science, we create interactive, engaging, and memorable experiences that make research come alive. Inclusion and participation aren't just goals—they're at the heart of everything we do.
Every project we launch is crafted to meet the unique needs of the community and the topic we’re tackling. Our "III" process drives our work: we identify barriers
to scientific engagement, innovate
with fresh, design-driven solutions, and implement
strategies that are rigorously tested and proven to work.
Our Projects
Active exploration for neuroscience exhibition
A key challenge in science exhibitions is fostering active exploration, particularly when topics are complex like neuroscience. This project, showcased in science museums and festivals across Europe, follows our "III" process: we Identify barriers to active engagement, Innovate by transforming gallery spaces into interactive mazes, and Implement these dynamic environments to empower visitors as active participants in their own learning experience.
Sustainable behaviour : A prize for communicating behavioural science
Engaging high school students from the Global South who excel in communicating and applying behavioral science to drive local sustainable initiatives, We identify exceptional accomplishments, innovate by supporting their efforts through mentoring, and implement their ideas to inspire broader impact within their communities.
Reinventing attention
Attention is crucial—it reveals what captures our interest and communicates what we care about to others. In our "Live Gaze" project, we apply our "III" process to engage people with the science of vision and non verbal communication. We Identified a challenge with attention being often challenged by distractions, we innovate by using eye-tracking technology to explore new ways of seeing, and Implement these insights across art museums, concerts, special recordings, and social media campaigns. Through these efforts, we reinvent the way we experience and share visual perception
A taste of science
Can we make genetics, chemistry, climate science more palatable? With this series of interactive meetings and participatory science, we bring experts and curious tasters together around the science of wine, coffee, tea and other beverages. We Identified barriers to connecting people interested in science communication across local universities, Innovate by creating interactive and participatory meetings, and Implement these sessions to foster new communities interested in science communication.
The brain is a moving thing
While we can't directly peer inside our heads, powerful visualizations can take us a long way! In this series of events, we apply our "III" process to communicate about the science of brain and mind. We identify the challenges of understanding these complex topics, Innovate by creating immersive multimedia journeys, and Implement these experiences to bring the mysteries of the brain and mind to life for wider audiences.
Move for tolerance
Many citizen initiatives rely on words for responses, but in this evidence-based project, we take a different approach. Following our "III" process, we team up with neuroscientists and a choreographer to explore how movement can serve as a powerful and meaningful response to societal challenges. We Identify the limitations of traditional verbal communication, Innovate by integrating movement into the dialogue, and Implement this creative approach to engage communities in a deeper, more embodied way.
Join our volunteer community
Become a valuable member of our expanding volunteer community. Discover the myriad opportunities to contribute to our cause.
Support an existing program
For just $10 a month, you can help connect people with the wonders of science. Your generous contribution will empower individuals and communities by making knowledge more meaningful, one person at a time.
Support new programs
Our work is grounded in evidence. Join us in advancing research and developing new programs aimed at recognizing and overcoming challenges in science communication, ensuring science has a meaningful impact on those who need it most.
terracognita.ggmbh@gmail.com
Registered gGmbH / Charity
Munich, Germany